SOURCE: AFI
The Aero India 2025 air show, set to take place from February 10 to 14 at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, is gearing up to showcase one of Russia’s most advanced military assets, the Su-57E fifth-generation stealth fighter has landed in India. This event marks the aircraft’s first public demonstration in India, promising to captivate aviation enthusiasts and defence experts alike with its cutting-edge technology and performance. Leading the demonstration flights will be none other than Sergey Bogdan, an Honored Test Pilot and Hero of Russia, whose reputation in the realm of aviation is nothing short of legendary.
Sergey Anatolyevich Bogdan, born on April 21, 1966, in Novosibirsk, Russia, has carved a niche for himself in the annals of Russian aviation history. His journey in aviation began early, inspired by the skies and the legacy of Soviet aerospace engineering. After graduating from the Yeysk Higher Military Aviation School in 1988, Bogdan embarked on a career that would see him at the forefront of testing some of Russia’s most sophisticated aircraft.
Bogdan’s prowess as a test pilot was highlighted during his time at the Gromov Flight Research Institute, where he tested numerous aircraft, including the MiG-29, Su-30, and the then-avant-garde Su-35. However, his name became synonymous with the Su-57 program. He was one of the first pilots to fly the T-50 (the Su-57’s predecessor) during its maiden flight on January 29, 2010, marking a historic moment in Russian aviation as they ventured into fifth-generation fighter technology.
Bogdan’s contributions to aviation are not just about pushing the envelope of what’s possible in the air. In 2017, he was awarded the title “Hero of Russia,” one of the country’s highest honors, for his exceptional service in the testing and development of new aircraft systems under extreme conditions. This accolade recognizes his courage, skill, and dedication to advancing Russia’s defense capabilities.
His experience is not limited to domestic skies; Bogdan has also showcased Russian aviation might internationally. His performances at the Zhuhai Airshow 2024 in China, where he piloted the Su-57E, were met with global acclaim, demonstrating the jet’s agility, stealth capabilities, and advanced avionics to a worldwide audience.
At Aero India 2025, Sergey Bogdan is set to introduce an updated flight program for the Su-57E, adding another chapter to his illustrious career. His demonstration will not only exhibit the aircraft’s maneuverability and stealth technology but also underscore the deep defense ties between Russia and India. The Su-57E, with its internal weapon bays, advanced radar systems, and supermaneuverability, represents the pinnacle of modern fighter jet design, and Bogdan’s performance will highlight these features to potential partners and competitors alike.
As the Su-57E prepares to dazzle the Bangalore skies, all eyes will be on Sergey Bogdan, whose career has been a testament to the spirit of aviation. His demonstration will not only serve as a spectacle but also as a bridge connecting the past, present, and future of Russian and Indian defense collaborations. For those attending Aero India 2025, this will be an opportunity to witness history in the making, led by one of the most decorated and respected figures in contemporary aviation.
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