US F-35 Fighter Jet Arrives In India, To Debut At Aero India 2023

In addition to the F-35, an F-16 Fighting Falcon duo will conduct daily aerial demonstrations from February 13-17, showcasing the capability of one of the leading fighter jets of US Air Force in an effort to be part of the IAF.

Yelahanka, Bengaluru: The United States Air Force’s (USAF) newest fifth-generation fighters F-35A Lightning II and F-35A Joint Strike Fighter have arrived at the Yelahanka Air Force station and will conduct a demo at ongoing Aero India 2023 through Friday.

In addition to the F-35, an F-16 Fighting Falcon duo will conduct daily aerial demonstrations from February 13-17, showcasing the capability of one of the USAF’s leading fighter jets. On static display, the F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornet are multirole fighters, the US Embassy said in a statement Monday. 

“The F-35 represents the leading edge of U.S. fighter technology. Aero India is an ideal forum to showcase the most advanced, capable, lethal, and interoperable weapons systems the U.S. has to offer. This system and others are designed to penetrate and defeat advanced adversary air defenses,” said Major General Julian C. Cheater, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs. 

The F-35’s engine produces 43,000 pounds of thrust and consists of a 3-stage fan, a 6-stage compressor, an annular combustor, a single-stage high-pressure turbine, and a 2-stage low-pressure turbine. 

“After a journey from Hill Air Force Base in Utah, US, the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team will impress crowds with a demo of its unique aerial capabilities. The F-35A Lightning II from Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska will be on static display,” the statement said.

The F-35 fighter jet is co-developed in partnership with eight countries and manufactured by Lockheed Martin. At present, it is flown by 14 air forces and navies in the world.

India Of Today Thinks Fast, Thinks Far, Takes Quick Decisions: PM Modi

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday said: “Aero India is a wonderful platform to showcase the unlimited potential our country has in defence and aerospace sectors.”

Inaugurating Aero India 2023, the PM said the biennial show has become the “hub of India’s technological advancement".

The PM called upon the private sector to invest in the defence sector, which will create new opportunities for them in India and in many other countries.

“The India of today thinks fast, thinks far and takes quick decisions,” Modi added.

On Sunday, at an event organised by the US Embassy in India, Rear Admiral Michael L. Baker, Senior Defense Official & Defense Attaché, US Embassy, New Delhi, said discussions on India procuring the F-35 fighter planes are at a nascent stage.