Bengaluru – Aero India 2025, Asia’s premier aerospace and defence exhibition, took off at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru with an impressive inauguration by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh. The 15th edition of this prestigious event aims to strengthen strategic partnerships, showcase India’s defence advancements, and promote industrial collaboration on a global scale.
In his inaugural address, Rajnath Singh emphasized the event’s significance in fostering relationships among like-minded nations to tackle modern uncertainties. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to peace and stability, stating, “There is no Indian security or Indian peace in isolation; security, stability, and peace are shared constructs that transcend national borders.”
A Convergence of Global Stakeholders
Aero India 2025 has attracted participation from government officials, industry leaders, Air Force personnel, defence experts, scientists, start-ups, and academia from around the world. The event serves as a platform to transition beyond buyer-seller relationships into long-term industrial collaborations.
“We have witnessed numerous successful examples of co-production and co-development with like-minded countries. This event provides an opportunity to take these collaborations further,” Rajnath Singh remarked.
India’s Defence Sector: A Key Economic Driver
The Raksha Mantri underscored the defence sector’s evolving role in India’s economic growth. He highlighted the record allocation of ₹6.81 lakh crore in the Union Budget 2025-26, with ₹1.80 lakh crore dedicated to capital acquisition. “The defence sector is now an engine of growth, fully integrated with the national economy,” he said.
With 75% of the modernisation budget reserved for domestic procurement, India is further advancing its Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Rajnath Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to boosting private sector participation, citing successful joint ventures such as the Tata-Airbus C-295 transport aircraft project in Gujarat.
Technological Advancements and Future Roadmap
Aero India 2025 will spotlight India’s latest defence technologies, including Astra Missiles, New Generation Akash Missiles, Autonomous Underwater Vehicles, Unmanned Surface Vessels, and Pinaka Guided Rockets. Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that India’s defence production would soon surpass ₹1.60 lakh crore, with exports exceeding ₹30,000 crore by the end of 2025-26.
The year 2025 has been declared the ‘Year of Reforms’ in the Ministry of Defence, signaling a transformative shift across all levels, including the Armed Forces and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs). Rajnath Singh invited industry stakeholders to contribute to this reform drive, ensuring a participatory approach to growth and development.
A Global Stage for Innovation and Collaboration
Aero India 2025 will feature air shows, exhibitions, and key industry events, including the Defence Ministers’ Conclave, CEOs Roundtable, iDEX Pavilion inauguration, and Manthan iDEX event. The exhibition aligns with the ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision, fostering international collaborations to accelerate indigenous defence manufacturing.
The event is structured into business days (February 10-12) for networking and deal-making, followed by public days (February 13-14), allowing visitors to witness India’s aerial prowess and technological advancements.
Distinguished Guests and Industry Leaders in Attendance
The inauguration was attended by high-profile dignitaries, including Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shiva Kumar, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and Chiefs of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Aero India 2025 is set to reinforce India’s position as a global aerospace hub, fostering international partnerships and driving the nation toward its vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
