Bengaluru: The 15th edition of Aero India was inaugurated by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru on February 10, 2025, setting the stage for one of Asia’s largest aerospace and defence exhibitions. Addressing the gathering, the Defence Minister highlighted that Aero India 2025 is not just a platform for showcasing industrial and technological advancements but also an opportunity to strengthen global partnerships based on mutual respect, interest, and benefit in an uncertain world.
The five-day event will witness participation from government representatives, industry leaders, defence experts, start-ups, academia, and military officials from across the world, providing a collaborative space to explore new defence and aerospace frontiers.
India’s Defence Sector at the Forefront of Economic Growth
Rajnath Singh emphasized that India’s defence industry has transitioned from a restricted sector to a driving force in economic growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that the record allocation of ₹6.81 lakh crore for the Ministry of Defence in the Union Budget 2025-26, including ₹1.80 lakh crore for capital acquisition, reflects the government’s commitment to defence modernization and self-reliance.
“The defence sector is no longer viewed in isolation but is now fully integrated into the national economy,” he said, stressing that increased private sector participation will further boost India’s aerospace and defence manufacturing capabilities.
The Make in India, Make for the World vision has positioned India as a global hub for aerospace components and defence manufacturing, with significant investments in co-production and co-development partnerships. He cited the Tata-Airbus joint venture for C-295 transport aircraft production in Gujarat as a testament to India’s growing capabilities.
Breakthroughs in Indigenous Defence Production
Rajnath Singh outlined key achievements since the last edition of Aero India, highlighting the production of Astra Missiles, New Generation Akash Missiles, Autonomous Underwater Vehicles, Unmanned Surface Vessels, and Pinaka Guided Rockets. He reaffirmed the government’s goal of surpassing the ₹1.27 lakh crore defence production mark and achieving ₹30,000 crore in defence exports by 2025-26.
Aero India 2025: A Convergence of Innovation and Global Collaboration
With over five days of high-profile engagements, Aero India 2025 will include:
- Defence Ministers’ Conclave
- CEOs Roundtable
- iDEX Manthan event for defence start-ups
- Samarthya Indigenisation event
- Dazzling air shows and aerospace exhibitions
February 10th to 12th are reserved for business interactions, while February 13th and 14th will be open to the public, allowing visitors to witness India’s cutting-edge defence capabilities.
Highlighting India’s tradition of hospitality, Rajnath Singh likened Aero India to a ‘Kumbh of Research’, drawing parallels with the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, which showcases India’s cultural heritage, while Aero India represents its technological prowess.
The event was attended by 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 senior defence officials, underscoring the significance of Aero India 2025 in shaping India’s defence future.
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