Aircraft To Watch For At Aero India 2023

February 13, 2023

Boeing F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet

Credit: Boeing

Boeing is leveraging its deep industrial ties within India in offering its F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet to the Indian Navy. Not only does it employ more than 4,000 people within India, but it has supplier arrangements with Raytheon Technologies, General Electric and Northrop Grumman that add more than 13,000 additional workers.

Lockheed Martin F-21

Credit: Lockheed Martin Video

Lockheed Martin unveiled its offering for the Indian Air Force, a modified F-16 dubbed the F-21, in 2021. The single-engine multirole fighter would come with a triple missile launcher adapter, advanced electronically scanned array radar and conformal refueling tanks that can be refueled via probe or hose and drogue. It also boasts advanced electronic warfare capabilities.

Saab Gripen E

Credit: Saab

Vying to fulfill Indian Air Force’s need for a medium combat aircraft, Saab is bringing a full-scale replica model of its Gripen E along with a mission simulator to Aero India. Saab is offering “true transfer of technology and a comprehensive industrial partnership” to the Indian government.

Dassault Rafale

Credit: Indian Air Force

With the Indian Air Force already a customer, Dassault will have a Rafale C mockup bearing Indian Air Force colors at Aero India. With a decision from the Indian Navy possibly coming soon, it will also have a Rafale Marine on display. “Dassault Aviation’s participation in the Aero India show is just the latest step in our 70-year partnership with India,” says Eric Trappier, chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation. “We will do everything in our power to develop our industrial presence in this great country and meet its military and business aircraft needs, both today and for the future.”

Sukhoi Su-57

Credit: Rosoboronexport

In August, Russia’s United Aircraft Corp. said it was expanding and modernizing facilities to increase production of its Sukhoi Su-57 fighters Rosoboronexport to provide 76 of the aircraft to the Russian Defense Ministry. The first of those would be delivered in the second half of 2023. Rosoboronexport plans to display a sample of an export-version of the fifth-generation multirole fighter, the Su-57E, at Aero India.

India occupies an interesting position geopolitically. Faced by increased aggression from China on its northeastern edge, India has drawn closer to the U.S. and Pacific allies Australia and Japan. But New Delhi maintains its commitment to nonalignment and keeps up longstanding industrial ties to Moscow, Paris and Tel Aviv. Combined with a multilayered internal bureaucracy, India is one of the most fascinating—and frustrating—places to do business. But the possibility of a contract to produce 114 Indian Air Force fighter aircraft, one to build 26 Indian Navy carrier-based fighters and a multitude of other aircraft make this show a draw for nations around the world. Here is a look at some of the combat aircraft platforms that are likely to be on display at Aero India 2023 at Yelahanka Air Force Station just north of Bengaluru Feb. 13-17.

Related: Check out the Aviation Week Network's Outlook for Indian Light Combat Aircraft

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