Aero India 2025: F-35 and Su-57 Set to Headline as Bengaluru Airport Confirms Flight Disruptions

Aero India 2025, Asia’s largest aerospace and defense exhibition, will be held in Bengaluru from February 10-14, featuring the F-35 and Su-57 stealth fighters. Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport has announced airspace closures from February 5-14, affecting flight schedules. Passengers are advised to check with airlines for updates to avoid disruptions.

CONTENTS:

• Aero India 2025: No F-35 Demo Team, But Stealth Aircraft Set for Static Display and Flyby
• Bengaluru Airport Announces Airspace Closures for Aero India 2025
• Bengaluru Airport Issues Advisory on Flight Disruptions for Aero India 2025

Aero India 2025: F-35 and Su-57 Set to Headline as Bengaluru Airport Confirms Flight Disruptions

Aero India 2025: No F-35 Demo Team, But Stealth Aircraft Set for Static Display and Flyby

Aero India 2025: F-35 and Su-57 Set to Headline Despite reports suggesting the withdrawal of F-35 fighter jets from Aero India 2025, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) has confirmed that a fifth-generation stealth aircraft will indeed be present at the prestigious airshow.

Aero India, hosted at Yelahanka Air Force Station, is among Asia’s premier aerospace and defense exhibitions, attracting global military officials, defense industry leaders, and aviation enthusiasts. The biennial event is scheduled to take place in Bengaluru from February 10 to 14.

A USAF spokesperson told EurAsian Times that the Lockheed Martin-built F-35, renowned for its stealth and advanced combat capabilities, will be featured at the airshow. However, while many had anticipated a full aerobatic performance, the USAF clarified that the F-35 Demo Team would not be participating. Instead, the aircraft will be showcased through static displays and flyby demonstrations.

“The F-35 Demo Team will not be performing at Aero India,” confirmed Erin M. Wood, Deputy Chief of Civic Outreach & Community Relations at Air Combat Command Public Affairs, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. “However, the F-35 and its aircrew will still be present for a static display and flyby demonstration.”

F-35’s Return to India

This marks the second time the F-35 will be showcased in India, following its debut at Aero India 2023. While its absence from aerobatic demonstrations may disappoint some spectators, the flybys will still offer an opportunity to witness the aircraft in flight, while the static display will provide a closer look at its design, technology, and weapon systems.

The F-35’s presence reaffirms the U.S. as a key participant in showcasing cutting-edge airpower and defense technology.

Su-57 vs. F-35: A High-Profile Stealth Fighter Showcase

Aero India 2025: F-35 and Su-57 Set to Headline Alongside the F-35, the 15th edition of Aero India will also feature the much-anticipated Russian Sukhoi Su-57, marking its first appearance in Indian airspace. Unlike the F-35, the Su-57 will perform high-energy aerial maneuvers, highlighting its agility and advanced flight capabilities.

India has a historical connection with the Su-57, having initially entered a co-development agreement with Russia in 2007. However, this partnership was discontinued in 2018.

The inclusion of both U.S. and Russian fifth-generation fighters at Aero India makes this a unique event, particularly against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions between the West and Russia over Ukraine.

Both the Su-57 and F-35 represent the forefront of modern fighter technology, featuring stealth capabilities, super-cruise, advanced maneuverability, and precision strike abilities. While the Su-57 is a twin-engine aircraft, the F-35 operates with a single-engine design, each offering distinct performance attributes.

India’s Fighter Jet Considerations

The presence of these advanced fighter jets has sparked significant interest in Indian defense circles. India’s aging fleet and potential acquisitions by neighboring Pakistan, including Chinese stealth fighters, raise important strategic considerations. This could influence India’s future decisions on whether to procure the F-35 or the Su-57, though such a move would require careful navigation of geopolitical dynamics.

Meanwhile, India is developing its own fifth-generation fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), though progress has been slow.

In addition to the Su-57, speculation is growing about the possible presence of a full-scale model of the Russian Su-75 Checkmate, which is still in development. Images circulating online suggest a Checkmate model may be en route from Moscow to Bangalore, though this remains unconfirmed.

Aero India 2025: A Global Defense Showcase

With some of the world’s most advanced military aircraft on display, Aero India 2025 is set to be a closely watched event for defense experts and aviation enthusiasts alike.

Bengaluru Airport Announces Airspace Closures for Aero India 2025

Aero India 2025: F-35 and Su-57 Set to Headline Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru has issued revised airspace closure timings from February 5 to 14, 2025, due to the Aero India Show 2025. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for updated flight schedules, as temporary disruptions are expected.

Revised Flight Restrictions

According to KIA’s official statement, flight operations will be halted during specific time slots throughout the airshow. The closure schedule is as follows:

• February 5, 6, and 8: 9 AM – 12 PM and 3 PM – 4:30 PM
• February 7 and 9: 9 AM – 11 AM; an additional closure on February 7 from 3 PM – 4:30 PM
• February 10: 9 AM – 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
• February 11 and 12: 12 PM – 2:30 PM
• February 13 and 14: 9:30 AM – 12 PM and 2:30 PM – 5 PM

Passenger Advisory

Airport authorities have urged travelers to stay updated on flight changes and contact their airlines for any modifications to schedules. Given the high-profile nature of Aero India, delays and rescheduling are likely.

About Aero India 2025

The Aero India Show 2025 will be held from February 5 to 14 at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru. This biennial event is a major defense and aviation exhibition, showcasing advancements in aerospace technology.

Bengaluru Airport Issues Advisory on Flight Disruptions for Aero India 2025

Aero India 2025: F-35 and Su-57 Set to Headline Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport has issued a passenger advisory regarding flight disruptions due to airspace restrictions for Aero India 2025, Asia’s largest aerospace and defense exhibition. The event will take place from February 10 to 14, 2025, at the Air Force Station, Yelahanka, with airspace closures scheduled between February 5 and 14. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updated flight schedules and plan their travel accordingly.

The revised airspace closure timings include various time slots from February 5 to 14, with key periods affecting both domestic and international flights. The airport has urged travelers to stay informed to avoid inconveniences.

Aero India 2025 will showcase global aerospace partnerships, promote indigenous defense technologies, and host key discussions such as the Defence Ministers’ Conclave and a CEOs’ Round Table. The event will also feature business engagements from February 10 to 12, followed by public air displays and exhibitions on February 13 and 14. With record-breaking participation expected, the event aims to strengthen India’s position in the global defense and aerospace sector.