Aero India 2025, which is being held at the Indian Air Force station at Yelahanka in Bengaluru (February 10-14), is more than just an exhibition. It is a platform for innovation, strategic alliances, and technological advancement.

The edition this year promises to redefine the standards of aerospace expositions and elevate India’s global presence in the aviation sector. As the 15th edition, the show is set to become a landmark event in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence production. 

Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, this premier air show has grown to become a global hub for aerospace innovation, collaboration, and strategic partnerships. The theme this year, ‘The Runway to a Billion Opportunities’, encapsulates India’s commitment to fostering cutting-edg advancements in defence technology while opening new doors for international collaboration. 

A rapid transformation from the 1990s As the Secretary (Defence Production), it is a matter of great pride for this writer to witness the remarkable transformation of India’s aerospace and defence manufacturing capabilities. What began in 1996 as a modest aviation exposition, has, today, evolved into one of the most significant global defence events. 

With an ever-increasing footprint, Aero India now attracts top-tier defence manufacturers, policymakers, industry leaders and visionaries from across the world. Past editions have witnessed extensive participation from industry players and innovators, and Aero India 2025 is poised to surpass milestones, serving as a dynamic platform to propel India’s defence production and technological prowess onto the global stage. 

Aero India 2025 is set to witness participation from leading global and domestic defence manufacturers, reaffirming its status as a premier defence and aerospace exhibition. A total of 106 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), includin 55 foreign OEMs from 19 countrie such as Brazil, France, Israel, Japan, Russia, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States have already confirmed their presence. 

Sixteen defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs) have also confirmed their participation. Additionally, 35 Indian OEMs, including industr giants such as Larsen & Toubro, Bharat Forge Ltd, Adani Defence & Aerospace, Mahindra Defence Systems Limited, BrahMos Aerospace, Ashok Leyland Defence, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), and Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL), wi showcase their cutting-edge advancements, reflecting the growing synergy between the public and private sectors in bolstering India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.

 Highlights of the exposition For the first time, the exposition will feature two of the world’s most advanced fighter jets, the Russian Su57 and the American F-35. These cutting-edge aircraft will offer aviation experts and enthusiasts a rare opportunity to analyse their capabilities and performance. The Su-57 is engineered for superior stealth and agility, and the F-35 is renowned for its technological superiority. 

This unprecedented participation signals India’s role as a central player in global defence diplomacy and aerospace progress. India will showcase a model of its fifth-generation aircraft ‘Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft’ (AMCA), which is in the development stage. The indigenous design and development of this twin-engine fifthgeneration stealth fighter aircraft, with 75% domestic content, will propel India into a select league of nations having the capacity to make their own fifth generation aircraft.

 Another most anticipated segment that will be on show in Bengaluru is ‘Manthan’, a dedicated platform to promote start-ups and innovation in the aerospace and defence sectors. The event will showcase pioneering advancements from Indian start-ups at the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) pavilion, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fostering home-grown solutions that cater to domestic and international defence requirements. 

The Indian pavilion will serve as a testament to the country’s firm commitment to ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, displaying an impressive array of indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and state-of-the-art technologies. The visitor experience In order to ensure a seamless experience for the over seven lakh visitors expected in this edition, significant improvements have been made in collaboration with the national and State authorities. Key enhancements include: optimised traffic flow made possible by expanded roads, designated routes, and real-time monitoring to ease congestion; enhanced transport services such as comfortable shuttle options to facilitate trouble-free access for attendees; robust security arrangements in the form of a multi-tiered security strategy with advanced surveillance, ensuring the highest safety standards; comfort-driven amenities as spacious halls, increased seating zones, improved dining facilities, and dedicated assistance booths for visitor convenience, and a specialised Aero India 2025 application for updates, schedules, and navigation assistance in real time.

Beyond the static exhibition of cutting-edge military aircraft, visitors will witness an enthralling aerial display, offering a glimpse into India’s growing air combat and technological prowess. Additionally, aerospace and defence seminars, live technologystrengthening internati , and interactive sessions will provide industry stakeholders and enthusiasts, valuable insights into the latest advancements in these rapidly evolving sectors.

 Aero India 2025 is a definitive statement of India’s intent to emerge as a global leader in defence and aerospace production. As the nation strides towards achieving greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing, this event serves as a crucial catalyst in bridging technological gaps, fostering innovation, and strengthening internati