The Indian Air Force primarily operates Russian aircraft like the Su-30MKI, and adding the Su-57 would extend this partnership. However, the US F-35 offer gives India a chance to diversify its defense acquisitions and adopt advanced Western technology.

The Aero India 2025, which concludes today, witnessed a face-off between the US’ F-35 fighter jet and Russia’s SU-57. While the SU-57 took to the skies on Thursday, the F-35 remained on static display.

It is unclear if American and Russian crews have interacted with each other at an air show where the two state-of-the-art fighter aircraft have been showcased.

It is to be noted that Donald Trump has made the offer to provide India with US stealth fighter jets at a time when Russia is also keen on selling its Su-57 stealth fighters to India.

Russia has offered to make its fifth-generation stealth fighter jet Sukhoi Su-57 in India for the Indian Air Force, a Russian and an Indian official said on Tuesday, as Moscow looks to boost defence ties with New Delhi.

The Russian Su-57 and American F-35 stealth fighters come together for the first time at Aero India 2025. One of the key highlights is the presence of the Russian Su-57 and the American F-35 Lightning II together for the first time at an aviation exhibition.