Two American F-35 fighter planes made a historic premiere today at the Aero India event in Bengaluru, indicating support for Indo-US ties. The move comes against the backdrop of the continuing Ukraine-Russia war and a fresh determination to strengthen the two nations’ defence and security ties. The US Air Force’s supersonic stealth aircraft, billed as the world’s most deadly, survivable, and networked fighter, has arrived in India for the first time. The US Air Force also featured F-16 and F-18 fighter planes, which were offered to the Indian armed forces for various purposes. Officials have previously declined to disclose whether or not the F-35s will attend the ceremony.
The 14th edition of “Aero India” attracted over 800 defence businesses and delegations from 98 nations. Noting that this was the largest-ever US delegation to Aero India, Ambassador A Elizabeth Jones branded it as evidence that “the US-India strategic alliance is one of our most critical ties.” According to a Times of India story quoting a senior US Embassy official, the F-35’s presence at the airshow will be “to demonstrate the strength and closeness of India-US collaboration.”
“This would be to present the most sophisticated fighter in the world to India’s largest air show and strategically support our partner.” According to Rear Admiral Michael Baker,
Meanwhile, US Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force and International Affairs Major General Julian C. Cheater stated that Aero India was an “excellent arena” to exhibit the modern weapons system. The engine of the F-35 produces 43,000 pounds of thrust and is made up of a three-stage fan, a six-stage compressor, an annular combustor, a single-stage high-pressure turbine, and a two-stage low-pressure turbine. While there appears to be no likelihood of an acquisition for the F-35s, authorities have stated that over 250 business-to-business deals are likely to be finalised during the event. This will in turn stimulate investment to the tune of around 75,000 crore.
“Aero India 2023” demonstrated India’s progress in defence and aerospace. “It has brought individuals from diverse nations together to showcase their inventions,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, sharing images from the event.
