Super Hornet from the United States have actually already arrived in Bengaluru for Aero India 2023, leading US authorities on Sunday meant a possible launching of the F-35 fighter, pegged as the worlds most innovative fighter.

A United States delegation led by US Embassy Charge dAffaires ambassador Elizabeth Jones dealt with the media ahead of Aero India, however officials didnt give a verification about the F-35 launching.

Rear Admiral Michael L Baker, senior defence authorities & defence attache to India, said: Two F/A -18 Super Hornet airplane- the most battle-tested provider strike - fighter -and two F-16 Vipers are currently at Yelahanka.

With regard to F-35, if it were to come to this airshow, it would be for demonstrating the strength and nearness of India-US partnership and not due to the fact that theres a possibility of acquisition.

This would be to bring the most innovative fighter in the world to Indias premier air show and support our partner in a tactical method.

Air-launched UAVAsked if the United States was offering the F-35 to India, Baker stated discussions on the India side were still extremely nascent.

On whether US was open to offering F-35 to India, he described: There has been no ask or high-level discussion.

From what I can tell, India is focused on developing its own future fighters ...

Speaking specifically about the joint advancement of the air-launched unmanned aerial car(ALUAV)under the joint working group air system, part of the defence technology and trade initiative (DTTI )between the 2 nations, officials stated there was some progress with the ALUAV.Major General Julian C Cheater, assistant deputy under secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs, said: We are expecting to carry out flight testing as early as the fall of 2023, which will happen at a range in northern India in addition to one in the United States.

We will establish sensors on the package and anticipate ALUAV to be probably introduced from the C130-J aircraft.

Baker likewise stated the United States was looking to provide co-production of some more innovative production abilities that may not exist in India.

Cheater said: India is presently providing vital aid and supplies as part of operation Dost-relief efforts in Turkiye and Syria-to do which it utilized five C17s and C-130Js.

India has the biggest C17 fleet beyond the United States.

He included that theres also increasing focus on beginning space co-operation.

Indo-Russia relationshipAsked if Russia being Indias strong ally unsettles the US, Jones stated: Thats a different question in regards to the unjust war that Russia has undertaken versus Ukraine.

That does not mean conversations here are focused on that.

They are focused on the partnership we have with India and wants to build to support really important international objectives of free area, going after problems that impact our people, that involve commerce, environment change, trade, health, pandemic etc.

Open & totally free Indo-Pacific While talking about an open and totally free Indo-Pacific, principal deputy assistant secretary of defence for Indo-Pacific security affairs, Jedidiah P Royal, evaded a question on who was the aggressor(with reference to naming China).

Were not here to harp on that.

Were here to go over chances in the US-India defence - partnership ...

I do not want to enter a discussion on the particular elements of the danger environment as it exists today, he said.