Every two years, as Bengaluru’s spring goes and the city’s residents pleasant spring, metal birds from all over the world make their way to the skies in a deafening thunder.
The first-ever airshow — then known as Avia India — was held in 1993 with a moderate show of a few aviation, which is where this ceremony began more than three decades ago at the Air Force Station in Yelahanka. The exhibit, which was given the name Aero India in 1996, has grown from strength to strength, making it Asia’s largest airshow right now.
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It’s then a must-attend occasion for major weapons companies from all over the globe to promote their most recent arsenal.
The most sought-after editions of Aero India held between 2009 and 2013 were the result of international companies competing to win the Indian Air Force’s coveted medium multi-role combat aircraft ( MMRCA ) deal.
Over the years, the present may have lost some of its previous splendor. However, it has a knack of reinventing itself as was visible in 2021 when the organisers managed to do it amid the COVID-19 epidemic.
This year’s edition also left a distinct level, hosting both the Russian Su-57 and American F-35 Lightning II.
These two very developed stealth fighters shared the road for the first time at an international air show.
” Aero India 2025 provides a unique side-by-side assessment of Eastern and Western fifth-generation warrior technology”, said the Ministry of Defence on the show’s USP.
Over time, the number of aviation and the flying show teams may have decreased. However, that has not stopped people from flocking to the place in large quantities, braving Bengaluru’s famous traffic, to catch a glimpse of the Light Power Helicopters, Su-30 MKIs and Light Combat Aircraft.
And every time the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team performs its delicate ring, thrilling chamber move, gravity-defying reversed flying, and the DNA manoeuvre, the oohs and aahs from the crowd simply get louder.
( Text by Hemanth C. S. )
Art of flying: The Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team displays its capabilities during Aero India.
Give and take: The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, an American military aircraft refuelling aircraft, navigates the sky.
Two stalwarts: An American F-35 flies over Russia’s Su-57E fighter jet at Aero India.
American muscle: A U. S. F-16 fighter jet takes to the sky.
Russian roar: Russia’s fifth generation Su-57E fighter jet performs a manoeuvre.
Aerial image of the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team of the IAF during its final dress rehearsal before Aero India.
Eyes to the sky: During the show, viewers can watch the thrilling displays.
Crowd pullers: People thronged the venue to catch a glimpse of the gleaming planes.
During the airshow, commuters stuck in massive traffic jams between Yelahanka and the Air Force Station.
Final set: Exhibitors and AeroIndia 2025 attendees at the Yelahanka Air Force Station about to board their flight leaving Bengaluru.
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