United States showcases two F-35s in Aero India show

The U.S. is set to showcase at the Aero India 2023 where the country is coming in with its largest-ever delegation. India is looking to expand its arms supply base, a report by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Russia was the largest supplier of major arms to India in both 2012-16 and 2017-21 but the imports dropped by 47 per cent in between the two periods. India is developing its fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) for the Indian Air Force, USA has brought in its Air Force’s fifth generation fighters- the supersonic and multirole jets.

The F-35A Lightning 2 demonstration team from Hill Air Force Base in Utah will demonstrate its “unique aerial capabilities” and the F-35A Lightning 2 from Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska will be on display, the US Consulate stated. The aircraft is manufactured by Lockheed Martin, 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.

Major General Julian C Cheater, Assistant Deputy Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs, said, “ Aero India is an ideal forum to showcase the most advanced, capable, lethal, and interoperable weapons systems the U.S. has to offer. The system and others are designed to penetrate and defeat advanced adversary air defenses”. The U.S. would also be showcasing its F-16 Fighting Falcon duo along with it F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornet multirole fighters.

U.S. Embassy charge d’Affaires Ambassador Elizabeth Jones who is leading the delegation said, “As India modernizes its defense capabilities, certainly we want to be the partner of choice”.