Aircraft, aircrew and support personnel from the United States military participated in the Aero India 2017 air show at Air Force Station Yelahanka, India. Dubbed ‘Asia’s Premier Air Show‘ by the Indian Ministry of Defense the exhibition ran from February 14-18 with an estimated 500,000 people attending.
An F-16 from the Pacific Air Forces F-16 Fighting Falcon demonstration team, a US Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft, from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, and a US Air Force C-130J Hercules from the 143rd Airlift Wing, Rhode Island Air National Guard all participated in the event representing America.
Watch: The Pacific Air Forces F-16 Fighting Falcon Demonstration Team in Action
“Displaying our aircraft in the Aero India 2017 air show reaffirms our commitment with the Indian Armed Forces and is a key opportunity to communicate our level of interest in bilateral cooperation” said U.S. Navy Commander Mike Albus, the Executive Officer for Fixed Wing Patrol Squadron 10. “We hope this air show is a steppingstone to further our partnership with India through military-to-military interoperability.”
“Demonstrating the capabilities of the C-130 draws me to participate,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Mike Collins, a RIANG C-130 pilot. “It was enjoyable flying the airdrop profile and displaying the tactical ability of this aircraft. We performed multiple joint force airdrops including joint jumpmaster briefings and daily detailed mission coordination exercises. Working with 2 Para Indian Special Forces at Aero India was flawless in communication and execution and I hold my Indian military counterparts in high regard.” – US Air Force
The Unites States military participated in this event to foster working defense relationships between India and the US. Speaking the common language of aviation United States military personnel were able to build genuine partnerships with their Indian military counterparts. Members of the US State Department also attended.
Featured image of F-16 Falcon by U.S. Pacific Air Forces, via Wikimedia Commons
