Aero India 2025 Takes Off

The 15th edition of Aero India, one of Asia's premier aerospace and defence exhibitions, commenced at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, Karnataka on February 10, 2025. The event was officially inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. This year's theme, "The Runway to a Billion Opportunities," underscores India's commitment to showcasing its aerial capabilities and promoting indigenous innovations in line with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India, Make for the World' initiatives.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY DEFENCE MINISTER RAJNATH SINGH

DEFENCE MINISTER RAJNATH SINGH SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION

In his inaugural speech, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised the significance of Aero India 2025 as a platform for international collaboration. He stated, "Aero India 2025, a confluence of critical & frontier technologies, will provide a platform to further strengthen relations among like-minded countries based on mutual respect, mutual interest, and mutual benefit to deal with today's uncertainties." He expressed confidence that the event would not only highlight India's industrial capabilities and technological advancements but also reinforce partnerships with friendly nations.

He further highlighted the diverse participation at the event, noting the presence of government representatives, industry leaders, air force officers, scientists, defence sector experts, startups, academia, and other stakeholders from around the globe. Singh underlined the evolution of relationships from mere buyer-seller dynamics to deeper industrial collaborations, citing successful examples of coproduction and co-development with like-minded countries. He reiterated India's vision of shared security, stability, and peace, encapsulated in the philosophy of "One earth, One family, One future."

FOCUS ON DEFENCE MANUFACTURING

Rajnath Singh highlighted India's transformation into a developed nation, emphasising the creation of a vibrant defence industry ecosystem. He pointed out that the defence sector, once peripheral to the national economy, is now a driving force. Talking about the recent budget he stated that the record allocation of ₹6.81 lakh crore to the Ministry of Defence in the Union Budget 2025-26, including ₹1.80 lakh crore for capital acquisition, underscores the government's prioritisation of defence. Notably, 75 per cent of the modernisation budget is reserved for procurement through domestic sources, aiming to enhance India's Defence Industrial Complex.

The Defence Minister reiterated the government's commitment to increasing private sector participation in defence production. He cited the joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Airbus for the production of C295 transport aircraft in Gujarat as a prime example of successful collaboration. Singh also highlighted the manufacturing of high-tech products such as the Astra Missile, New Generation Akash Missile, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, Unmanned Surface Vessel, and Pinaka Guided Rocket within the country. He also expressed the government's resolve to surpass the ₹1.27 lakh crore defense production and ₹21,000 crore defence exports figures in the coming times.

Aero India 2025 is expected to have participation from over 150 foreign companies and 900 exhibitors, showcasing advanced aerospace technologies.

INDIA PAVILION

The India Pavilion at Aero India 2025 was also inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. It stands as a testament to India's strides in defence innovation and self-reliance. the pavilion's entrance is graced by the Dhruv (Advanced Light Helicopter) - Next Generation, symbolising the nation's indigenous aerospace capabilities.

Inside, the pavilion is meticulously organised into five distinct zones, each highlighting India's advancements in aero, land, and naval aviation, as well as space and niche technologies. Over 275 exhibits showcase a comprehensive defence ecosystem, featuring contributions from Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), private corporations, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and innovative startups.

Among the standout displays is the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS), representing the next generation of warfare technology. The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) model serves as a focal point, drawing significant attention for its cutting-edge design and capabilities. Additionally, the pavilion features advanced technologies such as carrier landing assistance cameras, robotic systems, and drones. The presence of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and emerging space startups further underscores India's growing prowess in aerospace and defence technology.

The India Pavilion not only highlights the nation's journey towards self-reliance in defence but also provides a platform for Indian industries to demonstrate their design, development, and manufacturing expertise. The central theme, 'Flight of Self-Reliance,' encapsulates India's ambition to emerge as a global aerospace and defence powerhouse.

The inaugural day of Aero India 2025 set a dynamic tone for the five-day event, emphasising India's growing capabilities in defence manufacturing, its commitment to self-reliance, and its role as a facilitator of international collaboration in the aerospace sector.