The 15th edition of Aero India concluded on February 14, 2025, after five days of thrilling air displays and significant defence announcements. The event, held at Yelahanka Air Force Base in Bengaluru, also happens to be Asia’s largest aviation and defence exhibition.
The 15th edition attracted 500 delegates from 84 countries, including defence ministers, military officials, and global manufacturers. A total of 58 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and 931 exhibitors participated, with 782 of them being Indian companies. Here are the 8 most important highlights from Aero India 2025.
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Su-57 and F-35 Appear Together for the First Time
One of the most talked-about moments of Aero India 2025 was the presence of two rival fifth-generation fighter jets—the Russian Su-57 Felon and the American F-35 Lightning II—on the same airbase. This was the first time these advanced aircraft shared the same space, making it a historic event for aviation enthusiasts.
The Su-57 made its debut appearance at the airshow, while the F-35 returned for the second time. Photographs of the two aircraft parked together quickly went viral. Both jets performed aerial demonstrations, displaying their speed, agility, and stealth capabilities.
Russia also renewed its Su-57E offer to India, proposing a partnership for joint production and technology transfer. Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump surprised many by announcing his administration’s willingness to sell F-35 fighters to India, a move that could reshape India’s future air power strategy.
India Showcases Full-Scale AMCA Model
For the first time, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) unveiled a full-scale model of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
The AMCA is a twin-engine stealth fighter currently under development for the Indian Air Force (IAF). It was displayed alongside the CATS Warrior combat drone and the RUAV-200 rotary UAV.
ALSO READ: Russia Offers India Joint Production Of Su-57, America Remains Silent About F35 Offers
While the aircraft is expected to enter service only by the mid-2030s, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh reaffirmed India’s commitment to developing a homegrown fifth-generation fighter jet. However, concerns over delays in the AMCA program led some defence analysts to suggest an interim purchase of a foreign fifth-generation jet, such as the Su-57 or F-35.
HAL Unveils Upgraded Trainer Aircraft ‘Yashas’
HAL introduced an upgraded version of its Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) HJT-36 Neostar, now renamed ‘Yashas’. The aircraft has been modernized with:
- A state-of-the-art cockpit
- Advanced avionics
- Better weight management
- Enhanced spin resistance for safer pilot training
- During the event, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh took a 35-minute test flight in the aircraft, signalling confidence in its capabilities.
Embraer and Airbus Compete for India’s Transport Aircraft Contract
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to replace its aging Antonov An-32s and Ilyushin Il-76s with a new fleet of Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA). Two major contenders—Embraer and Airbus—displayed their aircraft at Aero India 2025:
- Embraer C-390 Millennium: Considered a strong candidate, this aircraft is being pitched in partnership with Mahindra Defence Systems.
- Airbus A400M Atlas: The largest aircraft at the airshow, this tactical and strategic transport plane is already in use with several air forces worldwide.
The competition for the MTA contract is expected to intensify as both manufacturers seek to secure a deal with the Indian Air Force.
US Air Force Demonstrates B-1B Bomber and KC-135 Tanker
The United States Air Force (USAF) showcased two of its most strategic military aircraft with flypasts over Yelahanka Air Force Station:
- KC-135 Stratotanker: An aerial refuelling tanker that plays a critical role in extending the operational range of military aircraft.
- B-1B Lancer: A long-range strategic bomber designed for high-speed, low-altitude penetration missions.
These displays highlighted India’s growing defence collaboration with the US, with both countries strengthening their military partnerships.
ALSO READ: Antonov AN-225 Mriya: Looking Back At What Was The World’s Largest Operational Aircraft!
India Signs Deal for New Air Defense System
A major boost to India’s air defence capabilities came with a contract between Thales and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the supply of Laser Beam Riding MANPADS (LBRM)—a Very Short-Range Air Defense (VSHORAD) missile system.
Under this agreement:
- India will receive Starstreak high-velocity missiles and launchers for the first time.
- The system will enhance India’s air defence network, providing protection against aerial threats.
- Future collaboration between Thales and BDL could lead to the production of Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) in India.
India and UK Announce ASRAAM Missile Production in Hyderabad
In another key development, MBDA UK and BDL announced the establishment of an Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) assembly and testing facility in Hyderabad. This new facility will:
- Equip Indian fighter jets with advanced missile technology.
- Boost India’s defence exports, allowing the country to supply ASRAAM missiles globally.
- Strengthen UK-India defence cooperation, marking a step forward in military technology collaboration.
India and UK Partner for Next-Generation Naval Propulsion System
The United Kingdom and India signed a Statement of Intent to jointly develop an Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system for India’s next-generation Landing Platform Dock (LPD) fleet.
Key points of this partnership:
- GE Vernova and BHEL will set up India’s first maritime land-based testing facility.
- The project aims to have India’s next-generation LPD operational by 2030.
Currently, INS Jalashwa is India’s only LPD, but four new ships are expected to be ordered in 2026 as part of India’s naval expansion plans.
