US Air Force Withdraws F-35 and F-16 Demonstrations from Aero India 2025

The United States Air Force (USAF) has announced that it will no longer be showcasing its F-35 Lightning II and F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets at Aero India 2025.

This biennial air show and aviation exhibition, scheduled to take place in Bengaluru from February 10th to 14th, is a major event in the Asian aerospace calendar.

The cancellation comes as a surprise to many, as the USAF has historically participated in Aero India with displays of its advanced aircraft. These demonstrations serve not only to showcase American airpower but also to strengthen military ties and promote cooperation with international partners.

While the USAF has not provided a specific reason for the cancellation, it is speculated that budgetary constraints, shifting global priorities, or logistical challenges may be factors. This news will undoubtedly disappoint aviation enthusiasts and industry professionals who were eager to witness the capabilities of these cutting-edge aircraft.

Despite the absence of the USAF fighter jet demonstrations, Aero India 2025 is still expected to draw a large international audience.

The event will feature a wide range of aerial displays, exhibits of aerospace technology, and opportunities for industry collaboration. Organizers may seek to incorporate alternative performances to fill the gap left by the USAF cancellation.

Aero India 2025 will nonetheless remain a significant platform for the aerospace industry, highlighting advancements in both civilian and military aviation.

 

[PKPRS]

Because of SU-57 showing.

 

[sanket]

Ha Ha Ha, that means western jets are overhyped. Second Su-57 participation, while Russia has thought of a direct comparison between two stealth fighters at the international air show. Definitely, there are some shortcomings. Aero India 2025 was the best platform before MRFA to grab attention and showcase. At last, a direct comparison of tech features will happen. Well done by the US by withdrawing.

 

[VF VF1]

The US has become money-minded and is not interested in mere optics. When business is considered, Bharat won't buy the F-16, and the USA won't sell the F-35 to India. Also, Bharat is not willing to buy any US air-to-air (BVR/non-BVR) missiles or fighter-specific arsenal packages, so the US was going to waste time and money with the F-16 and F-35 over here.

 

[sanket]

The F-16 was sold more than 4,500 times all over the world, and the F-35 is the most sold 5th-gen fighter jet. Even then, the US held back from participating in Aero India. Most US fighter jets are sold through pressure tactics rather than true evaluation. That's why Europe has two separate 6th-gen fighter jet projects: FCAS & Tempest. Why does the US fear direct comparison? It reminds one of a similar situation for Pakistan, where whenever Tejas MK1A was participating, Pakistan avoided the JF-17 in that show. Only rebranding and advertising don't help to win orders; it has to be practical evaluation. Anyway, the US has done PR for the so-called F-21 by making a video rather than field evaluation. This is the best marketing funda.

 

[Anant]

Well, this is going to hurt their prospects for MRFA, considering how much they have been pushing for the F-16V.

 

[Anant]

Because of SU-57 showing.

Unlikely but possible. This may well be the result of Trump trying to shake up things. That suspension of aid, large-scale deportations, and other things do line up with this.

 

[Scronkfinkle]

They realized there was no point in flogging these assets to a dead horse, wherein India would never buy their birds unless there was joint production and tech transfer, so better to save some energy and costs, hence they pulled out. They neither have any other large Asian country that could afford to buy these products (which could have created optics), except for tiny Singapore, which cannot even be deemed a starter in a meal for a deal. All in all, it makes business sense to showcase in the Middle East that there is a market, or in South America, a market for used aircraft. In Africa and Asia, other than Korea and Japan, the market is non-existent.

 

[Sanatani Yodha]

I was telling you this… The US will never sell the F-35 to India… and the kind of snub they have given!!!

I wonder if they will ever supply GE404 and 414!!!!

 

[PKPRS]

Unlikely but possible. This may well be the result of Trump trying to shake up things. That suspension of aid, large-scale deportations, and other things do line up with this.

But Trump likes Modi, maybe fear of possible sensors in SU-57 that could track sensible information from US jets.

 

[Instant Karma]

Unlikely but possible. This may well be the result of Trump trying to shake up things. That suspension of aid, large-scale deportations, and other things do line up with this.

Because they don't want to sell F 35 to India.

 

[ramdas]

The Pentagon is pragmatic and rooted in ground realities. After losing the naval contest to Rafale Marine, they have packed up their bags. The F-35 is too costly for India to operate, let alone purchase. A lot of constraints and regulations as well. It will not have nuclear weapon delivery capability and other geopolitical restrictions.

 

[punit shukla]

Looks India heading for su57

 

[Anant]

But Trump likes Modi, maybe fear of possible sensors in SU-57 that could track sensible information from US jets.

And? Trump likes a lot of people, but he has frozen practically any and all such activity.

 

[Enforcer]

This is very odd. My guess is they don't want any data leaked about the F-35 to the Russians. They probably don't want the radar cross-section signature and infrared signature of the F-35 being collected and evaluated by the Su-57. I have been to air shows, but typically only one aircraft is flying at a time.

It's a bummer because it would have been a great showdown without a war. I'm still rooting for India to buy the F-35.

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

The IAF and MOD files, together with the recommendations from the CDS, NSA, and PMO office, have been leaked somewhere, wherein the CIA's American assets in Delhi already know the recommendations of the Indian government and that the IAF is not interested in the F-16 or F-35, and the tilt appears towards the SU-57/SU-75. In any case, the Indian government wants the aircraft and engines to be built in India, which the Americans will not agree to for the F-35. So to save money where they are sure of not getting the contract they are convinced, why bother?

 

[Harsh]

I was telling you this… The US will never sell the F-35 to India… and the kind of snub they have given!!!

I wonder if they will ever supply GE404 and 414!!!!

Better way to put it is that India will never buy F35 because it limits its strategic autonomy. Remember, all software, including mission computer is maintained out of us.

 

[Kira]

Well, this is going to hurt their prospects for MRFA, considering how much they have been pushing for the F-16V.

I believe the US and LMT itself probably know well that the F-16 has no real chance, and the IAF has its eyes set on the Rafale, while Boeing knows that the F-18, after being rejected from the naval tender, has no real chance with the IAF. The F-15, although a very potent platform, won't be bought due to its sheer cost and the fact that the IAF's budget is majorly tied with a similarly equipped MKI.

LMT, in all likelihood, would be eager to offer the F-35, knowing well that will provide them a foothold in the expanding Indian defense market for decades to come, but the US is unlikely to offer it since it has a well-known technical issue with the S-400 and India's continued ties with Russia, which would persist in many ways for the next two decades.

 

[मित्र]

Unlikely but possible. This may well be the result of Trump trying to shake up things. That suspension of aid, large-scale deportations, and other things do line up with this.

How this withdrawal shake things up?
its more of looks like USA dont want direct comparison with su-57.

 

[obiwankenubi jedi]

Because of S400, the Rafale M selection by the Indian Navy, and the possibility of Rafale being selected for MRFA or even Eurofighter Typhoons, the F-16/F-21 were offered with the F-35 dangled as a carrot for a possible future offer. If the F-16 itself has no chance, then demonstrating the F-35 would be a big waste of time and money, and worse, a loss of face if, despite this demonstration, Rafale F4 or Su-57 are selected for MRFA or 5th-gen fighters. This move prevents embarrassment and further diplomatic complications.

To offer the F-35, one precondition would be to get rid of the S-400, which is now not a possibility anymore for India, with 3 S-400 systems deployed and 2 more awaited, and a possible S-500 offer from Russia. This is more important due to the Su-57 display expected during Aero India 2025, and also the current F404 engine "issues" and no deal yet for F414 due to a 50% "increase" in price for 80% ToT. The reason for all this delay is the probable selection of Safran as the partner for the 110kn engine development.

 

[Rajender Avasthi]

In my view, it is good as we can't depend on the US for the critical rollout of MRFA after the F404 delayed delivery and delaying signing of the F414 contract. We should select Rafale for MRFA and Safran for the AMCA engine as IP rights will remain with the Indian company.

 

[Arin Kumar]

All is not well. May be we will not be getting the GE F414 Engines as well. USA might have given up on India as a bulwark against China - and hence making their choices accordingly.
Even if they supply the GE F414 - they might give it at massively raised price (price is up by 50% i.e. 500 million USD - but it may go further up for any reason).

All the more reason to further invest in developing Aeronautical Engineering research, training and manufacturing infrastructure in India.

Remember this is happening with Republics in government who are generally friendly towards India. Just imagine what will happen if Democrats are in power - who are largely funded by the CCP -oriented businessmen.

 

[Gamez over]

US would never sell the F-35 to India due to concerns over technology security. They fear that advanced avionics technology could somehow reach Russia, its long-time ally and defense partner. Moreover, if India gets the F-35, there might be an embarrassment for the US if any Pakistani F-16 is shot down by an F-35.

 

[Bhishma]

Well, eventhough some people have sold out to the US, not everyone is. A section of the top brass is still pissed with what they did in BD. They have not forgotten it. The politicians are doing a show of friendship. At the ground level, CIA and RAW are battling it out. Our NE is in an unstable vulnerable situation thanks to CIA ops. Nfw we would buy F35.

 

[PKPRS]

The US has become money-minded and is not interested in mere optics. When business is considered, Bharat won't buy the F-16, and the USA won't sell the F-35 to India. Also, Bharat is not willing to buy any US air-to-air (BVR/non-BVR) missiles or fighter-specific arsenal packages, so the US was going to waste time and money with the F-16 and F-35 over here.

This will affect GE engines, until we get an alternative engine, we will be forced to buy US jets.