Aviation Head
Aviation Photography by Rushikesh Pardeshi
THE ART OF AVIATION
Aviation photography showcasing military aircraft, airshows and the people behind the machines.
Sukhoi Su-30MKI
Captured during Aero India 2025, The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is a twin-engine, twin-seat, multirole air-superiority fighter operated by the Indian Air Force. Developed from the Su-30 family in collaboration between Russia and India, it was extensively customized to meet Indian requirements and has become one of the IAF’s most important combat aircraft.
Powered by two AL-31FP turbofan engines with thrust-vectoring capability,
The aircraft features a sophisticated N011M Bars passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar. Integrated with the BrahMos-A supersonic cruise missile, the Su-30MKI delivers powerful long-range precision-strike capability.
F-35A Lightning II (USAF)
Captured during the Aero India 2025, The F-35A Lightning II is a fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter designed for air superiority, precision strike, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. It features advanced stealth technology, powerful sensors, sensor fusion and electronic warfare capabilities, allowing it to detect, track and engage threats while maintaining a low radar signature.
LCA Tejas MK1
Photographed during Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, the LCA Tejas Mk1 is an indigenously designed and developed 4.5-generation, single-engine multirole fighter serving with the Indian Air Force. Developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the Tejas combines a lightweight composite airframe with advanced digital avionics, a quadruplex fly-by-wire flight-control system and a GE F404-IN20 engine, giving it a maximum speed of around Mach 1.6 and the ability to perform air-to-air, air-to-ground and maritime missions.
Dassault Rafale C (IAF)
Photographed during Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, the Dassault Rafale is a 4.5-generation twin-engine multirole fighter operated by the Indian Air Force. Designed for air superiority, precision strike, reconnaissance and maritime missions, the Rafale combines advanced avionics, sensor fusion, electronic warfare capabilities and a highly agile delta-canard design. Powered by two M88 engines, it can reach speeds of up to Mach 1.8 and carry a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, making it one of the Indian Air Force’s most capable combat aircraft.
Sukhoi Su-57 Felon
Photographed during Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, the Sukhoi Su-57 Felon is a Russian fifth-generation multirole fighter designed to engage air, ground and maritime targets. Developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau, it combines low-observable design, advanced integrated avionics, sensor systems and internal weapons carriage, with the ability to operate in demanding electronic-warfare environments. The twin-engine fighter is designed for both autonomous operations and networked combat, making it a highly capable platform for modern air combat missions.
Hawk Mk.132 (SKAT)
Photographed during an airshow, the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) is the Indian Air Force’s official aerobatic display team, renowned for its precision formation flying, synchronized manoeuvres and spectacular aerial performances.
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III (IAF)
Captured during engine run-up, the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a heavy military transport aircraft. Operated by the Indian Air Force, the C-17 combines a large cargo capacity with impressive short-field performance, allowing it to operate from relatively austere airfields and play a crucial role in strategic airlift and rapid military deployment.
Mil Mi-17 (IAF)
the Mil Mi-17 is a versatile twin-engine military transport helicopter widely used by the Indian Air Force for troop transport, logistics, search and rescue, disaster relief and tactical operations. Known for its rugged design and excellent performance in demanding environments, the Mi-17 can carry personnel and equipment while operating across varied terrain and challenging conditions.
DRDO AEW&C NETRA
Captured during Aero India 2025, the DRDO AEW&C NETRA is an airborne early warning and control system developed by India to provide long-range aerial surveillance, situational awareness and command-and-control capabilities. Mounted on an Embraer EMB-145 platform, NETRA uses an advanced active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and integrated communication systems to detect and track airborne threats while supporting coordinated operations by friendly aircraft.
Ilyushin Il-76 MD (IAF)
Captured during engine run-up, the Ilyushin Il-76 is a heavy strategic airlift aircraft designed to transport troops, cargo, vehicles and equipment over long distances. Operated by the Indian Air Force, the Il-76 has played a vital role in strategic airlift and military logistics, combining a large payload capacity with the ability to operate from challenging airfields.
Boeing P-8I Poseidon (Indian Navy)
Captured during landing, the Boeing P-8I Poseidon is a long-range maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft operated by the Indian Navy. Based on the Boeing 737-800 platform, it is equipped with advanced sensors, radar, electro-optical systems and acoustic technologies for maritime surveillance, intelligence gathering and submarine detection. The P-8I also provides long-range anti-surface and anti-submarine capabilities, making it a key asset for protecting India’s maritime interests.
Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules (IAF)
Captured during Aero India 2025, the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules is a tactical military transport aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force for troop transport, cargo airlift, special operations and humanitarian missions. Powered by four turboprop engines, it is designed to operate from short and semi-prepared runways, while its robust airframe and advanced avionics allow it to perform effectively in demanding operational environments
Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon (USAF)
Captured during Aero India 2025, the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon is a highly versatile single-engine multirole fighter renowned for its agility, advanced avionics and combat-proven performance. Designed for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, the F-16 features a high thrust-to-weight ratio, fly-by-wire flight controls and a wide range of weapon systems, making it one of the most widely operated fighter aircraft in the world
Mikoyan MiG-29K (Indian Navy)
Captured during Aero India 2025, the Mikoyan MiG-29K is a carrier-based multirole fighter operated by the Indian Navy from its aircraft carriers. Designed for air superiority, maritime strike and fleet defence missions, the MiG-29K features folding wings, strengthened landing gear and advanced avionics suited for carrier operations. Its twin-engine configuration and ability to carry a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons make it a key component of the Indian Navy’s carrier air wing.
HAL Light Combat Helicopter Prachand (IAF)
Captured during Aero India 2025, the HAL Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand is an indigenously developed attack helicopter designed for high-altitude warfare, close air support and precision strike missions. Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, it features a lightweight airframe, advanced avionics, integrated sensors and weapon systems, and is specifically designed to operate effectively in the challenging high-altitude environments of the Himalayas
SEPECAT Jaguar (IAF)
Captured during takeoff, the SEPECAT Jaguar is a twin-engine, deep-penetration strike and ground-attack aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force. Known for its low-level flying capability, robust design and precision-strike capabilities, the Jaguar has served as a key platform for ground-attack and maritime strike missions.
Boeing CH-47F Chinook (IAF)
Captured during landing, the Boeing CH-47F Chinook is a heavy-lift transport helicopter operated by the Indian Air Force for troop transport, logistics, disaster relief and strategic mobility. Its distinctive tandem-rotor configuration provides high lifting capacity and allows it to carry personnel, vehicles and heavy equipment across challenging terrain, including high-altitude regions
Airbus C-295MW (IAF)
The Airbus C-295 is a tactical transport aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force for troop transport, cargo airlift, medical evacuation and humanitarian missions. Designed for short and semi-prepared runways, the C-295 combines modern avionics with efficient turboprop engines and a versatile cargo cabin, making it well suited for tactical airlift and operations across challenging terrain
DRDO Dornier 228 (IAF)
Captured during Aero India 2025, the DRDO Dornier 228 Flight Test Bed is a modified Dornier 228 aircraft used by the Defence Research and Development Organisation to test, evaluate and integrate advanced airborne systems, sensors and avionics. The platform serves as a versatile testbed for developing and validating indigenous technologies for India’s defence aviation programs.
HAL Dhruv
Captured during Aero India 2025, the HAL Dhruv is an indigenously developed twin-engine multirole helicopter designed for a wide range of military and civilian operations. Developed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the Dhruv can perform troop transport, utility, search and rescue, reconnaissance and disaster-relief missions, making it one of India’s most versatile indigenous helicopter platforms.
HAL HJT-36 (IAF)
The HAL HJT-36 is an indigenously developed intermediate jet trainer designed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for advanced pilot training. Powered by a single turbofan engine, the aircraft features a tandem-seat configuration and is designed to bridge the gap between basic flight training and high-performance fighter aircraft.
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Aviation photography is all about timing, patience and smooth tracking, anticipate the aircraft, master your settings and capture the moment
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