From F-16 to Airbus: the foreign fighter jets and other aircraft participating in Aero India 2025

F-16

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multi-role fighter developed by Lockheed Martin for the US air force. It is known for its agility, speed, and advanced avionics.

This is one of the most widely exported fighter jet with more than 25 countries. It has the abilities to carry air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, bombs, and a 20mm cannon. It was part of several operations including the Gulf War and Afghanistan invasion. The US also supplied F -16s to Ukraine to strengthen its air defence.

F-35

This fifth-generation fighter is considered to be the backbone of the US air force. Developed by Lockheed Martin, it is known for its air superiority, ground attack, intelligence, and electronic warfare. It is one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world.

Artificial intelligence-assisted targeting and network centric warfare capabilities have made the F-35 stand out from other aircraft. The software and hardware upgrades of this aircraft including AI-powered combat systems have been a game changer.

For the first time in Aero India 2025, the F-35 hit the skies displaying its manoeuvring skills.

Sukhoi 57E

The Sukhoi 57E is a fifth-generation stealth fighter developed by Russian Sukhoi. It is considered to be the rival of the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II of the US.

Known for its speed and range, the Su 57E has a range over 3,500 km. With AI-assisted combat systems, sensor fusion, and electronic warfare capabilities, Russia is aiming to produce more such aircraft. It has also shown interest in exporting these products to India and China.

The Su 57E stands out as a statement of Russian modernisation of defence products. (Express Photo)

The Su 57E stands out as a statement of Russian modernisation of defence products. The Su 57E has also played limited roles in the recent Russia-Ukraine wars. The Su 57E may see unmanned versions in the days to come.

For the first time, the Su 57E participated in Aero India displaying its capabilities. The aircraft is codenamed “Felon” by Nato.

Embraer C-390 Millennium

The Embraer C-390 Millennium is a modern, multi-mission military transport aircraft developed by Embraer Defense & Security in Brazil. Designed to replace older turboprop transporters like the C-130 Hercules, it offers higher speed, greater payload capacity, and advanced avionics.

The Embraer C-390 Millennium is often compared with theC-130J Super Hercules of Lockheed Martin. (Express Photo)

The Embraer C-390 Millennium is often compared with theC-130J Super Hercules of Lockheed Martin. It has a range of Rs 8,500 km and is used for troop and cargo transport, air-to-air refuelling, medical evacuation, and humanitarian missions.

It is operated by the Brazilian air force and has orders from Portugal, Hungary and Netherlands.

JAS 39 Gripen

Handsome when stationed but devastating in its action, the Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a fourth-generation multi-role fighter developed by Sweden’s Saab Group.

With a speed of 2,400 km per hour and range of 3,200 km, it has the ability to take off and land on short runways and highways. It is considered to be the competitor of the Rafale, F-16 and Eurofighter Typhoon in global defence markets. Designed for air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance, it is known for its agility, advanced avionics, and cost-effectiveness.

Gripen has been displayed at Aero India 2025, where the public can taste the experience of its cockpit but only on invitation. (Express Photo)

It is presently used by the Swedish air force and exported to countries like Brazil, Hungary, Czech Republic, Thailand, and South Africa.

Gripen has been displayed at Aero India 2025, where the public can taste the experience of its cockpit but only on invitation.

Airbus A330 MRTT

Known as “critical force multiplier”, the Airbus A330 MRTT (multi-role tanker transport) is a strategic air-to-air refuelling and transport aircraft developed by Airbus Defence and Space.

Based on the Airbus A330 commercial aircraft, it provides extended-range refuelling capabilities and strategic airlift for military operations. (Express Photo)

The fuel capacity of this aircraft is a whopping 1.1 lakh kg and can carry troops, tankers, and massive materials. It is also used by over 15 air forces, including those of the UK, Australia, Germany and France. It can act as a supporter for fighter jets and bombers due to its vast operational ability. Based on the Airbus A330 commercial aircraft, it provides extended-range refuelling capabilities and strategic airlift for military operations. It can also be used in humanitarian aid and medical evacuations.

Airbus A 440 M

The largest aircraft stationed at Aero India 2025 is Airbus A400M Atlas, a tactical and strategic military transport aircraft operated by the German air force (Luftwaffe). With a payload capacity of 37 tonnes, the A 400 M is faster than the traditional transport aircraft. It is used for troop deployment, equipment transport, and disaster relief. It has been used for Afghanistan, Mali and Ukraine operations. It can carry even helicopters and armoured vehicles including tankers and even land and take off from unprepared runways.