The United States Air Force’s newest fifth-generation fighters F-35A Lightning II and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter made a debut at Aero India 2023 on February 13-17.
Arguably the world’s most advanced fifth-generation fighters, the aircraft arrived at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru after their respective journeys from Utah and Alaska air force bases in the USA. Sending a wave of excitement through the crowds at the exposition, the fighter jets were a sight for selfie-clicking. The planes will conduct daily aerial demonstrations at Aero India 2023, a five-day marquee event.
“The F-35’s engine produces 43,000 pounds of thrust and consists of a three-stage fan, a six-stage compressor, an annular combustor, a single stage high-pressure turbine, and a two-stage low-pressure turbine,” said the US statement.
After inaugurating Asia’s largest air show ‘Aero India 2023’ at the Yelahanka Air Force station complex on the outskirts of Bengaluru, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the biennial expo, which was earlier considered just a window to “sell to India”, is showcasing the nation’s strength as a potential defence partner and noted that India is now exporting defence equipment to 75 countries. India’s defence exports have increased six times in the last five years and it has crossed the figure of $1.5 billion in its exports, added PM Modi.
