BENGALURU: The newest fifth generation fighters of the United States Air Force (USAF): stealthy, supersonic and multi-role F-35A Lightning II AND F-35A Joint Strike Fighter – made their debut at Aero India 2023 Monday, with a quick flyby before landing.
The two aircraft, the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter from Hill Air Force Base, Utah and the F-35A Lightning II from the 354th Fighter Wing, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, arriving in India, also assume strategic importance in the context of growing ties between India and the United States and geopolitics in the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Major General Julian C Cheater, the US Air Force’s assistant deputy undersecretary for international affairs, said Monday, “The F-35 represents the cutting edge of US fighter technology. Aero India it is an ideal forum to showcase the most advanced, capable, lethal, and interoperable weapon systems the United States has to offer. This system and others are designed to penetrate and defeat advanced enemy air defenses.”
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Aero India 2023: Top 10 Aircraft Attend Bangalore Show
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Aero India is India’s largest air and aerospace show, held every two years in Bangalore. The event showcases the latest advances in aviation technology and aerospace equipment as well as military aircraft and defense systems.
Aeroindia-2023 is organized by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on behalf of Department of Defense Production, Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Here is the list of aircraft participating in the exhibition. Check it out…
Kiran MK-II is an advanced two-seat, tandem trainer aircraft developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in India. It has been in service since 1974. The Kiran MK-II features a lightweight structure, modern avionics and advanced flight control systems, making it a capable platform for training future generations of pilots.
The Mi-17 is a military helicopter developed by the Soviet Union and now manufactured by the Russian company Rostvertol. It is a medium range helicopter that has been used extensively by military and civilian operators around the world.
The Mi-17 has a spacious cabin that can accommodate large numbers of passengers or cargo, making it suitable for a variety of missions, including troop transport, medical evacuation and humanitarian aid operations.
Additionally, the helicopter is equipped with powerful engines and advanced avionics, enabling it to operate in harsh environments, including high altitudes and hot climates.
The Bheem Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) is a light utility helicopter developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force. It is designed to perform a wide range of tasks such as reconnaissance, surveillance, search and rescue, and transport missions.
The Rudra Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) is a multi-role helicopter developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The helicopter is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and weapons systems and can be used for a variety of missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, anti-tank operations and search and rescue.
The Sarang helicopter is part of the Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter fleet. It is the aerobatic display team of the IAF and performs aerobatic demonstrations using HAL Dhruv helicopters.
LCA SPT stands for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Support Platform Trainer. It is a two-seat variant of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force.
The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Dornier Do 228 is a multi-purpose light transport aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF). It was first brought into service in the late 1980s and continues to be used by the IAF for various roles such as reconnaissance, transport and maritime patrol.
The Embraer 145 is a jet aircraft manufactured by the Brazilian aerospace company Embraer. It is part of the Embraer E-Jet family and is designed for short and medium-haul flights.
The Mikoyan MiG-29, also known as the “Fulcrum”, is a fourth generation air superiority fighter originally developed for the Soviet Union. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has operated the MiG-29 since the 1980s and it has been a mainstay of the IAF’s fighter fleet for many years.
The Jaguar is known for its low-level penetration capabilities, as well as its ability to accurately deliver a wide variety of air-to-ground weapons. The aircraft has been upgraded several times over the years, with modern avionics and weapon systems, to ensure it remains relevant and effective in the face of ever-changing threats.
The Rafale aircraft is a multi-role fighter jet manufactured by the French company Dassault Aviation. It was inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in September 2016 as part of a 36 aircraft deal signed between the Indian and French governments.
The Tejas is an indigenous multi-role light fighter developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The aircraft was inducted into the IAF in July 2016 and is the first indigenous supersonic fighter aircraft developed in India.
The P-8I Neptune (also known as the P-8 Poseidon) is a long-range anti-submarine, anti-surface, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft developed by the American company Boeing.
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is a twin-engine multi-purpose fighter aircraft developed by Russia’s Sukhoi Aviation Corporation and manufactured under license by India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The BAE Systems Hawk is a British single-engine advanced training aircraft used by the Indian Air Force (IAF). In India, the Hawk is known locally as Hawk-i. The Hawk-i is used by the IAF for advanced jet training, weapons training and operational conversion of fighter pilots.
The Dassault Mirage 2000 is a single-engine delta-wing multi-role fighter aircraft developed by the French company Dassault Aviation. The Indian Air Force (IAF) operates a fleet of Mirage 2000 aircraft, which have been in service since the 1980s.
The TOI had reported in its Feb. 13 edition that the United States was likely to surprise by bringing in the F-35. While Rear Admiral Michael L Baker, senior defense official and defense attaché in India, said the F-35 arriving at this airshow was to demonstrate the strength and closeness of the India-US partnership and not because there is a possibility of acquisition, the timing of the F-35’s debut can not be overlooked.
With the shelving of India’s Joint Development Project for a Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA), India shifted focus to Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth generation twin-engined stealth aircraft developed by Bengaluru- Aviation Development Agency (ADA).
Indeed, in 2019, the IAF had told Aero India that its first preference regarding a fifth generation fighter aircraft would be the indigenous Amca. However, with the AMCA still under development and a changing threat perception, especially in the northern sector, the Indian Armed Forces, including the Indian Air Force (IAF) are considering rapid modernisation.
So far, India has not officially requested the F-35 from the United States. As Cheater said on Sunday: “…There hasn’t been any high-level inquiry or discussion. From what I can tell, India is focused on building their own future fighters…”
The US Consulate General’s office said on Monday that after a trip from Hill Air Force Base in Utah, the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team will impress the crowd with a demonstration of its unique aerial capabilities, while the other F-35A Lightning II will be on static display.
“The F-35 engine produces 43,000 pounds of thrust and consists of a three-stage blower, a six-stage compressor, an annular combustor, a single-stage high-pressure turbine, and a 2-stage low-pressure turbine “, added.
In addition to the F-35, a duo of F-16 Fighting Falcons will conduct daily aerial demonstrations, showcasing the capabilities of one of the USAF’s flagship fighters while on static display will be the F/A-18E and F /A-18F Super Hornetboth multi-role fighters.
Clock The US Air Force F-35 will debut at Aero India 2023
