Lockheed Martin Denies F-35 Presence at Aero India 2011

Defense and aerospace communities were abuzz with the reports that the Lockheed Martin F-35 would make a debut at Aero India 2011 -- Asia's premier air show -- to be held in Bangalore in the second week of February 2011.

These reports unfortunately proved false as Lockheed Martin F-35 Communications categorically states:
"No, unfortunately that report was not correct. The F-35 will not be at Aero India in 2011."
Lockheed Martin F-35 Communications

Shiv Aroor has his own take on this. He reports that while the fighter jet won't make it, its cockpit simulator will. Not that we doubted Live Fist but India Defence has received independent confirmation from Lockheed Martin that the cockpit simulator is being prepared for display at Aero India 2011.

"We are working to have the F-35 cockpit demonstrator at Aero India. Not an actual F-35."
Lockheed Martin International Communications

The F-35C, the naval aircraft carrier variant which may be offered to the Indian Navy -- is expected to undergo air-to-air refueling and performance testing.