An expert explained the US refusal to demonstrate the F-35 by the fear of embarrassing itself in front of the Su-57

TheUnited States refused to demonstrate F-35 and F-16 fighters at the Aero India 2025 aerospace exhibition because of the fear that their equipment would look ridiculous and inferior to the Russian Su-57. This opinion was shared with Izvestia on February 10 by Andrei Koshkin, head of the Department of Political Analysis and Social and Psychological Processes at the Plekhanov Russian Economic University and a military expert.

The fact that the U.S. planes were removed from the demonstration was reported earlier in the day by Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov. According to him, the US side is not ready for fair competition.

"Our Su-57 multi-role fighter has undergone a fairly extensive run-in in combat conditions. The F-35 does not have that. And frankly, let's say that we are criticized for the fact that it is allegedly very noisy. But this is not a reason to refuse to use it in combat conditions," commented Koshkin.

He admitted that the reason for the US refusal to show the fighter jets was the aggravation of the geopolitical situation between Washington and Moscow. However, the expert noted, the exact reason for such a step is still unknown.

In addition, the interlocutor of the publication emphasized that participation in such air shows helps to promote equipment and raise the authority of the state army. Thus, Koshkin believes, the US has decided that it is better not to participate at all than to be disgraced.

"The Americans, out of unwillingness to look faded and inferior in the air and on the ground against our Su-57, simply withdrew from the show. <...> The point is that it is better not to participate than to fail," the military expert concluded.

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Thus, on Monday, Vadim Badekha, general director of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), said that Russia is ready to offer India to organize the production of the Su-57 fifth-generation multi-role fighter on their territory. According to him, the Indian side is showing great interest in the fighter as they appreciate it as an aircraft that is regularly used in combat operations.

Earlier on February 9, Indian Deputy Defense Minister Sanjeev Kumar said that India is studying the capabilities of the Russian fifth-generation Su-57 fighter for its possible purchase. According to him, the issue of the purchase of the fighter will be decided by representatives of the Indian armed forces.

Prior to that, on January 4, the U.S. Military Watch Magazine reported that no U.S. fifth-generation fighter can still compare with the Russian Su-57 in terms of combat testing.

Last December, UAC built and delivered the Su-34 fighter-bomber and the Su-57 fighter to the Russian Defense Ministry. It was specified that the Su-57 is the best of the Russian operational-tactical aircraft. This aircraft can destroy the widest range of targets because it is equipped with high-precision weapons.