U.S. Scraps F-35 Aerial Display at Aero India, Fearing Embarrassing Showdown with Russia’s Su-57
The cancellation of the aerial demonstrations by the U.S. F-35 and F-16 fighter jets has sparked widespread speculation, with many suggesting that it was a move to avoid unfavorable comparisons with the Russian-made Su-57, which is widely regarded as having superior flight performance, particularly at low speeds.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) –Russia’s formidable fifth-generation fighter, the Sukhoi Su-57 Felon, made a commanding appearance at Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, a move rumored to have rattled the United States into an unexpected retreat.
In a stunning twist, the U.S. abruptly scrapped plans for its F-35 Lightning II and F-16 fighters to take to the skies, reducing them to mere static displays.
Meanwhile, the Su-57 Felon capitalized on the moment, dominating the airspace with a mesmerizing display of power, agility, and cutting-edge technology—an unmistakable statement of aerial supremacy.
Russia’s Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, reportedly stated that the U.S. decision to cancel the aerial demonstrations for the F-35 and F-16 at Aero India “shows that its competitor (F-35) is unwilling to compete fairly.”
The abrupt cancellation of the U.S. fighter aircraft demonstrations has ignited a firestorm of speculation, with many believing it was a calculated move to evade an inevitable and unfavorable showdown with the Russian-built Su-57.
Renowned for its unparalleled flight performance—especially in low-speed maneuvers—the Su-57 was poised to steal the spotlight, leaving its American counterparts overshadowed in a spectacle of aerial dominance.
Indian media previously cited sources claiming that the primary reason for the absence of the U.S. F-35 in the aerial demonstrations at Aero India was a “shortage” of demonstration pilots.
While defense analysts praise the F-35’s cutting-edge avionics as vastly superior to the Su-57’s, its actual flight performance has often been regarded as underwhelming for a fifth-generation fighter.
In stark contrast, the Russian-built Su-57 is celebrated as the undisputed master of low-speed maneuverability, setting a global benchmark in aerial agility.
Armed with advanced three-dimensional thrust vectoring engines, the Su-57 effortlessly executes jaw-dropping maneuvers that few, if any, of its rivals can hope to match.
Unlike the F-35’s engines, the Su-57’s AL-41F1 engines are reportedly capable of sustaining supersonic speeds without requiring an afterburner.
Starting this year, Russia is expected to replace the AL-41F1 engines in its Su-57 production models with the more powerful and maintenance-friendly AL-51F.
The Su-57’s aerial demonstration would place the F-35 and F-16 in an unfavorable position, potentially increasing public support in India for New Delhi’s acquisition of the Su-57.
While aerial displays are a key strength of the Su-57, the F-35’s advantages lie in its advanced avionics systems, including high-tech data links, passive electronic sensors, radar, and other cutting-edge features.
Although the sophisticated avionics of the U.S. fifth-generation F-35 fighter provide a significant advantage to its pilots, these capabilities cannot be showcased in aerial demonstrations.
A few days ago, two U.S.-made fifth-generation fighters, the F-35 Lightning II, arrived at the Indian Air Force Base in Yehalanka, Bengaluru, to participate alongside Russia’s Su-57 Felon at Aero India 2025.
It was a rare sight at Yehalanka Air Base, where both U.S. and Russian fifth-generation fighter jets stood just meters apart.
This marks the Su-57’s first appearance at Aero India, while the F-35 previously participated in the biennial air show in 2023.
International defense analysts suggest that this is the first time the F-35 Lightning II and the Su-57 Felon have been present at the same location simultaneously, sharing the same airspace.
The presence of both Russian and U.S. fifth-generation fighters at this edition of Aero India is particularly significant, as both global powers are actively courting New Delhi to select their respective aircraft.
The Indian Air Force urgently requires fifth-generation fighter jets to keep pace with its traditional adversaries.
Pakistan is set to acquire China’s fifth-generation J-35A fighter, while China has already been operating the J-20 Mighty Dragon for several years and is expected to bolster its fleet with the J-35A.
To compete with Pakistan and China—both of which are either acquiring or have already deployed fifth-generation fighters—India can no longer rely solely on its fourth-generation++ aircraft, such as the French-made Rafale and the Russian-made Sukhoi Su-30MKI.
New Delhi needs fifth-generation fighter jets to counter the emerging threats posed by its neighboring adversaries.
Russia has already offered a joint production arrangement for its Su-57 Felon and has proposed collaboration on India’s own fifth-generation fighter program, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA
This isn’t true at all, the U.S pulled all its aircraft out after finding out india had already made deals to start buying the felon. China had stated that the felon was an acrobat aircraft, and not made for war. Because you’re not fighting in close quarters, low speeds will get you shot down before you even get into the fight.
With that being said, China also stated the felons stealth capabilities were a joke. That’s why China has no plans in place to buy the aircraft, it’s not built for actual combat while the F35 is. Flying around in pretty circles slowly is for show, not for war.
I was at the air show in China, and even the J20 outperformed the felon, China has claimed the J20 is on par with the F35. The F18 was also at the india airshow, and it to didn’t perform. Not because of the felon, but because india had already picked who they were gonna buy their 5th Gen aircraft from.
The felon is cheaper than the F35, but as that old saying goes. You get what you pay for.
And this article was brought to you and sponsored by Rusia.
Sorry but the Russians have NOT proven anything except that their “stealth” aircraft is dismal failure!! The US has been the undisputed champ in the stealth aircraft department for DECADES already!
The SU-57 is so powerful Russia is scared to use it against Ukraine.
I was at the aero show on 2 days. I saw both of them fly on both the days 2 times in a day. I think both fighters have their advantage. F-35 is made specifically to be on the offense and Su-57 is made specifically for defence. So trying to bash one for the other makes no sense. Both are incredible fighter jets. To conclude. India has not yet made a decision as to which one it intends to buy.