India showcases defence strength with over 900 exhibitors, 26 defence ministers, and 118 CEOs
Aero India 2025 begins today in Bengaluru, bringing together top global defence leaders, industry giants, and strategic policymakers. With participation from over 900 exhibitors, including 150 foreign firms, and delegations from 90 countries, the five-day event will highlight India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Key Highlights: Aircraft Displays, Defence Meetings, and Global Partnerships
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the event, which will feature thrilling air displays, including Russia’s Su-57 and the US F-35 fighter jets. Beyond the aerial spectacle, Aero India 2025 will serve as a major platform for high-level defence discussions and international collaborations.
The 15th edition of Aero India will see crucial strategic dialogues, building on India’s expanding role in the Indian Ocean Region. Singh emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “Aero India is a platform that showcases the strength, resilience, and self-reliance of New India. It is not just about defence preparedness but about shaping the future of our nation.”
Strategic Engagements and Defence Industry Boost
A major highlight will be the Defence Ministers’ Conclave on February 11, held under the theme ‘Building Resilience through International Defence and Global Engagement (BRIDGE),’ focusing on supply chain resilience and strategic cooperation. Additionally, the CEOs’ roundtable will bring together over 100 global and domestic defence leaders, with major firms like Airbus, Safran, and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems expected to announce new collaborations with Indian companies.
The India Pavilion will showcase over 275 exhibits across aerospace, land, naval, and defence-space technologies. The iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) Pavilion will highlight innovations from startups and MSMEs, which have already secured procurement contracts worth Rs 1,560 crore.
On February 12, Singh will attend ‘Manthan,’ the annual defence innovation summit aimed at fostering opportunities for startups and MSMEs. The ‘Samarthya’ exhibition will highlight indigenous defence products developed in collaboration with DRDO, DPSUs, and private companies.
India’s Defence Exports to Exceed Rs 30,000 Crore by 2025-26
India’s defence exports are set to surpass Rs 30,000 crore, with domestic defence production expected to exceed Rs 1.6 lakh crore by 2025-26, Singh announced. The country has made significant strides in indigenous manufacturing, with platforms like the LCA Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, and C-295 Transport aircraft now being produced domestically.
India has also committed to developing fifth-generation fighter aircraft and has successfully advanced missile systems like Agni, Astra, Pinaka, and hypersonic missiles, reinforcing its position as a global defence powerhouse.
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