Bengaluru, Feb 9 (FN Agency) India is set to achieve a milestone in defence manufacturing, with the sector aiming to surpass Rs. 1.60 lakh crore in production by 2025-26 and defence exports expected to exceed Rs. 30,000 crore, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh said. Showcasing this progress, Aero India 2025, Asia’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition, will be inaugurated by Rajnath at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru on 10 February. Under the theme *The Runway to a Billion Opportunities,’ he five-day event will highlight India’s advancements in aerospace and defence technology. More than 900 exhibitors from 90 countries, including 100 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), will participate, making this the largest-ever edition of Aero India. Rajnath emphasised that Aero India 2025 aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047 and supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. He noted that the event would strengthen international partnerships while boosting domestic manufacturing capabilities.
The exhibition will host over 30 Defence Ministers and Air Chiefs from 43 countries, underscoring India’s growing influence in the global defence sector. Rajnath stated that the scale of participation reflects increasing confidence in India’s defence capabilities and its expanding role in international security collaborations. Aero India 2025 will feature key events aimed at strengthening global defence cooperation and promoting indigenous innovation. The Defence Ministers’ Conclave on 11 February will serve as a high-level platform for discussions on international security and strategic partnerships. The CEOs Roundtable will bring together global defence industry leaders to explore collaborations in advanced technology and manufacturing. The India Pavilion will highlight the country’s indigenous defence capabilities, showcasing platforms like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and Combat Air Teaming System (CATS).
Additionally, the iDEX Pavilion will display cutting-edge innovations from Indian start-ups and MSMEs, reinforcing India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence technology. Dedicated to fostering indigenous defence innovation and industry collaboration. For the first time, Aero India 2025 will feature the Russian Su-57 and the American F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, providing a rare opportunity to compare Eastern and Western fifth-generation aircraft technologies. Aero India 2025 will be more visitor-friendly, with improved infrastructure, enhanced security, and digital connectivity. Sustainable practices, including eco-friendly initiatives and efficient traffic management, will be implemented. The event will take place from 10 to 14 February, with business days from 10 to 12 February and public days on 13 and 14 February.