Aero India 2025, the largest aerospace and defence exhibition in Asia, will be held from February 10 to 14 at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The Ministry of Defence has said this year Aero India is likely to be the largest so far; there would be over 900 exhibitors from more than 90 countries.
The theme of Aero India 2025 is “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities”, which aims to establish India’s potential as an air power base, technological advancements, and requirements for global collaboration while lending support to the Vision for India: ‘Viksit Bharat’ (A Developed India) in the year 2047.
Platform for Growth and Innovation
On Sunday evening (February 9), ahead of the show, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that Aero India 2025 is not aimed merely to show technology. It is the government stepping forward with its vision of a strong, secure, and self-reliant India. The event was described by him as a “forceful platform” for presenting Indian defense capabilities and establishing global partnerships. “Aero India will showcase the strength, resilience, and self-reliance of New India. Not only is it vital to India’s military preparedness, but it will be a major force in shaping our nation’s future,” said the Defence Minister.
This year’s exhibition will showcase state-of-the-art technologies being exhibited by both indigenous and foreign aerospace companies. This show will help fast-track the indigenization process of India, which in recent years has seen rapid growth.
Transformation in Aerospace and Defence
The defence sector has undergone transformation. The country has been transformed from manufacturing platforms like the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand to now producing high-tech missiles and transport aircraft. The successful development and demonstration of various defense products are clear- acknowledgments of India’s capabilities.
With the successful development and deployment of systems like Agni and Astra missiles and the indigenization of more sophisticated air defense systems, like Akash, has made India an increasingly self-reliant power.
In regard to achievements, the minister remarked, “I would like to remind everybody that today India is not only able to design and develop major platforms and equipment but is also able to source a wide supply chain within India.”
He also revealed the plans on producing fifth-generation fighter aircraft in the country as this marks a notable milestone in securing India’s position in the aerospace industry. This accomplishment is extremely important in bolstering India’s defense sector and as well as in increasing economic activity through domestic manufacturing.
Participants
Aero India 2025 will mark a prominent landmark in the development of the aerospace industry with participation by more than 900 exhibitors, of which 150 are foreign companies. It will also witness over 90 nations take part, including roughly 30 Defence Ministers and representatives from air forces of 43 countries. The Defence Minister has said that, “To have participation from more than 90 countries are indeed a validation of the confidence the world has on India’s growing aerospace and defence capabilities.”
Singh emphasized that beyond national security, the defence sector significantly contributes to economic growth as well. He pointed out that innovations originating from defence industries often stimulate advancements in the civilian sector, leading to job creation and overall economic progress. Additionally, technologies developed for defence purposes tend to spill over into civilian markets, thereby enhancing technological capabilities and opening new employment opportunities.
India’s robust defence production chain has reached a remarkable value of 1.27 lakh crore in domestically produced defence equipment and is projected to exceed 1.60 lakh crore by the fiscal year 2025-26. Concurrently, defence exports are anticipated to surpass Rs 30,000 crore. These achievements highlight the sector’s increasingly significant role in bolstering India’s economic strength and enhancing its global competitiveness.
Aero India 2025 include several noteworthy events, such as the Defence Ministers’ Conclave, which will convene defence leaders from around the world to discuss collaboration in areas like defence capacity building, research and development, and joint ventures. The second conclave, scheduled for 11 February, will focus on the theme “Building Resilience with International Defence Global Engagement (BRIDGE),” placing special emphasis on the necessity for a resilient defence supply chain and strategic partnerships.
Furthermore, the CEOs Roundtable on 10th February will serve as a gathering for over 100 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) globally, offering a platform to discuss opportunities for collaboration, partnerships, and joint ventures in defence production. Prominent aerospace companies such as Airbus, Ultra Maritime, and Rafael Advanced Defence Systems are expected to unveil their future initiatives, which may include establishing maintenance and research facilities in India.
Focus on Innovation and Start-ups
As reported previously in FinancialExpress.com, innovation is central to Aero India 2025, with the iDEX Pavilion providing a platform for start-ups and innovators to showcase cutting-edge technologies developed for defence applications. As part of the iDEX initiative, over 600 start-ups and MSMEs have been on-boarded to foster defence innovation. The success of this initiative is reflected in the 40 prototypes developed under iDEX that have received official procurement clearances. The event will also feature “Manthan,” the flagship annual defence innovation event, which will bring together innovators, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss emerging opportunities and challenges in defence technology. The “SAMARTHYA” event will further emphasize the success of indigenisation in defence production, showcasing the role of private sector participation in manufacturing key pla