Aero India 2025: A Showcase of Modern Power and Global Partnerships

REINFORCING DRDO'S ROLE AS THE BACKBONE OF INDIA'S DEFENCE INNOVATION: AMCA 5TH GEN COMBAT AIRCRAFT

Following the massive success of Aero India 2023, which saw participation from about 100 countries, 809 exhibitors, and a remarkable footfall of over seven lakh visitors, the 2025 edition promises even greater engagement. Key highlights include dynamic exhibitions, cutting-edge aircraft displays, the prestigious Bandhan ceremony, finsalisation of 250+ MoUs/partnerships worth more than ₹75,000 crores and participation of 27 Countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)+ Defence Ministers' Conclave.

The event features expansive exhibition halls depicting various solutions, outdoor displays of large-scale systems, and business chalets designed for high-level meetings. It also provides unparalleled opportunities for B2B and B2G interactions, enabling industries to secure vital partnerships and explore market growth avenues. Additionally, Aero India offers extensive media coverage, amplifying the visibility of participants and their innovations on a global stage.

Aero India 2025 is not just an airshow—it is a stage where the future of aerospace takes flight, positioning India at the forefront of technological and strategic advancements in this critical sector.

AERO INDIA'S STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE TO INDIA'S DEFENCE GOALS

REINFORCING DRDO'S ROLE AS THE BACKBONE OF INDIA'S DEFENCE INNOVATION: INDIGENOUS FIGHTER LCA TEJAS;

Aero India has become a crucial platform for India to demonstrate its growing defence capabilities and to position itself as a key player in the global defence industry. Since its inception in 1996, the event has grown exponentially, both in terms of international participation and the technological sophistication of its exhibits. What began as a modest airshow has now become a vital stage for unveiling advanced fighter jets, drones, missile systems, and other military hardware.

Aero India acts as a catalyst for partnerships between Indian and international defence companies. The 2023 edition saw 250 B2B agreements with a combined value of ₹75,000 crore, demonstrating the potential of such collaborations to drive technology transfer and co-development initiatives. The focus on startups and MSMEs, as seen in the exclusive iDEX Pavilion at Aero India 2023, highlights the importance of nurturing homegrown talent. The previous edition successfully pledged over ₹200 crore through the iDEX Investor Hub, emphasising India's commitment to fostering innovation in the defence sector.

REINFORCING DRDO'S ROLE AS THE BACKBONE OF INDIA'S DEFENCE INNOVATION: NETRA AEW&C ON EMBRAER PLATFORM

Aero India 2025 plays a pivotal role in advancing India's defence objectives, aligning with the nation's vision for self-reliance and technological supremacy under the 'Make in India' initiative. In 2025, the event is expected to draw representatives from over 50 countries, including global defence contractors, aviation experts, and policymakers. By fostering joint ventures, promoting indigenous innovations, and facilitating global collaborations, the event strengthens India's defence ecosystem.

The strategic importance extends to the showcasing of India's airpower, with grand flypasts and static aircraft displays serving as a testament to the nation's growing aerospace capabilities. Aero India 2025 is poised to reinforce India's defence and aerospace goals, contributing to a robust, self-reliant, and globally competitive sector.

DRDO AT AERO INDIA 2025

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will present a formidable display of over 330 state-of-the-art products, systems, and technologies at Aero India 2025 in indoor pavilion, reinforcing its role as the backbone of India's defence innovation. DRDO's participation will be structured around nine key themes such as "Airborne Surveillance Solutions", "Naval Warfare", "Next- Generation Missile Systems", "Supremacy in the Skies – ADA's 5th Gen Leap", "Unmanned Aerial Systems", "RadarScape: Mapping the Invisible", "Maritime Sentinel: A New Era of Surveillance & Safety", "Sensors Suite for Fighter Aircraft" and "Raksha Kavach". All themes are being supported by various operational scenario, salient features depicted in the form of video contents using immersive technologies like anamorphic display, LED walls, Digital standees, Holographic fans etc.

Additionally, with the mandate of DRDO focussing more on technologies, 14 advanced Technology Zones will highlight cutting-edge research which includes "Advanced Materials & Composites", "Surveillance & Reconnaissance Technology", "Antenna & Microwave Technology", "Soldier Support Systems", "Combat Aircraft Technology", "Corporate Directorates", "Micro Electronic Devices, Computational Systems, and Cyber Security", "Land Systems & Munitions", "Missile Technology", "Next-Gen Combat Vehicles & Tactical Mobility", "Photonics, Laser and Quantum Technology", "Electronic Warfare & Communication", "Simulation & Training Technology" and "Aero Propulsion Technology".

A major highlight of DRDO's presence will be its contribution to the prestigious India Pavilion, showcasing state-of-the-art Defence systems. This pavilion exemplifies the combined strength of India's private industries, Defence PSUs, startups, and DRDO, the premier defence research organisation under the Ministry of Defence. Among the 17 DRDO products on display will be the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) with all its weapons & sensors, Dornier midlife upgrade with DRDO designed systems, Advanced Lightweight Torpedo, Naval Anti- Ship Missile-Medium Range, Kaveri Derivative Aero Engine (without afterburner), Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance (MRMR) Aircraft, Guided Pinaka, and Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF).

DRDO's exhibits will be spread across indoor, outdoor, and live demonstration zones. The outdoor exhibits will feature QRSAM, AKASH NG Launcher system, Archer UAV, and VHF Radar, Advanced EW System Dharashakti etc, while the flying display will include the upgraded Dornier Aircraft with advanced mid-life modifications. Additionally, DRDO will organise a seminar titled "DRDO-Industry Synergy towards Viksit Bharat: Make in India, Make for World" to highlight its collaborative vision for self-reliance in defence technology.

With an expansive and technologically diverse exhibition, DRDO's participation at Aero India 2025 underscores India's growing strength in aerospace and defence, advancing Atmanirbhar Bharat and positioning the nation as a leader in global defence innovation.

As the world witnesses this extraordinary synthesis of tradition and modernity, Aero India 2025 reaffirms India's stature as a global powerhouse, embodying the spirit of unity, resilience, and innovation while paving the way for a secure and inclusive future for all.