Aero India 2025: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh to Inaugurate Key Defence Event as India Targets ₹1.6 Lakh Cr Production & ₹30,000 Cr Exports
Aero India 2025 set to be the biggest edition yet, with participation from 90+ countries and over 900 exhibitors, showcasing India's advancements in air power, indigenisation, and global collaborations.
BNH NETWORK
Bengaluru, February 9, 2025: The 15th edition of Aero India, Asia’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition, will be inaugurated by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru on February 10, 2025. With the central theme of ‘The Runway to a Billion Opportunities,’ this five-day event is poised to demonstrate India’s strength in air power, cutting-edge defence innovations, and its growing role in international defence collaborations. The event will also emphasize the country’s push toward self-reliance under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, aligning with the government’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India) by 2047.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the event, Raksha Mantri underscored the strategic importance of Aero India in advancing India’s defence preparedness and global stature. “Aero India is not only a showcase of technological and defence innovations, but it also stands as a symbol of India’s resilience and self-reliance,” said Rajnath Singh. “This platform will help foster international cooperation in defence and inspire the next generation of Indian innovators.”
Aero India 2025 will feature the participation of over 900 exhibitors, including 150 international companies from over 90 countries, marking it as the largest-ever edition of the event. Nearly 30 Defence Ministers, along with over 100 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), will attend, reflecting the growing global confidence in India’s aerospace and defence capabilities.
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Karnataka Chief Secretary Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat, and other senior defence officials and industry leaders attended the Aero India 2025 curtain-raiser press conference.
Key Highlights of Aero India 2025 :
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India’s Indigenous Achievements: From advanced platforms like the Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas) and Light Combat Helicopter (Prachand) to cutting-edge missile systems, India has firmly established itself as a capable player in defence manufacturing. The country has also set its sights on developing fifth-generation fighter jets domestically.
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Defence and Aerospace Growth: India’s defence production is expected to exceed Rs 1.60 lakh crore by 2025-26, with exports projected to reach Rs 30,000 crore, up from Rs 21,000 crore. The country’s thriving private defence sector has contributed significantly to national security and economic development.
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Global Collaboration and Technology Transfer: Raksha Mantri emphasized the importance of international partnerships at Aero India, with over 100 foreign OEMs attending, including major companies like Airbus, Safran, and Mitsubishi. These collaborations are set to enhance India’s technological capabilities, with joint ventures in areas such as aerospace materials, R&D, and maintenance operations.
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India Pavilion and iDEX Initiatives: The India Pavilion will showcase the country’s indigenous defence innovations, with over 275 exhibits highlighting advancements in aerospace, naval aviation, and defence technologies. The iDEX Pavilion will spotlight India’s cutting-edge indigenous products, with a special focus on prototypes and technologies developed by MSMEs and start-ups.
Key Events:
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Defence Ministers’ Conclave: On February 11, the Raksha Mantri will host a hybrid Defence Ministers' Conclave themed ‘Building Resilience through International Defence and Global Engagement (BRIDGE),’ aiming to strengthen defence ties with global partners.
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CEOs Roundtable: On February 10, more than 100 defence OEMs will engage in discussions around global defence cooperation under the theme ‘Enabling Defence Cooperation through Global Engagement (EDGE).’
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Manthan & Samarthya Events: These events will focus on innovation and indigenisation in the defence sector, highlighting the role of start-ups and MSMEs in advancing India’s defence capabilities.
Aero India 2025, to be held from February 10 to 14, will also include public days (February 13-14) for visitors to experience airshows and exhibitions. The event promises to be a milestone in India's journey toward becoming a global leader in aerospace and defence, contributing to both national security and economic growth.
