BENGALURU: Defence minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the 15th edition of Aero India at Airforce Station (AFS) Yelahanka in Bengaluru Monday, announcing ambitious projections for India’s defence sector and calling the show the “Kumb of research”.
“Aero India 2025, a confluence of critical & frontier technologies, will provide a platform to further strengthen relations among like-minded countries based on mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual benefit to deal with today’s uncertainties,” Singh said.
He exuded confidence that Aero India will showcase the country’s industrial capability and technological advancements to the world, while further strengthening symbiotic relations with friendly countries. “Lasting peace can only be achieved if nations become stronger together and work for a Better World Order,” he said.
The government expects defence production to exceed Rs 1.6 lakh crore by the end of 2025-26, with defence exports anticipated to surpass Rs 30,000 crore.
The five-day aerospace and defence exhibition, the largest of its kind in Asia, comes amid what Singh called was a record defence budget allocation of Rs 6.8 lakh crore for 2025-26, including Rs 1.8 lakh crore earmarked for capital acquisition. Notably, 75% of the modernisation budget has been reserved for procurement through domestic sources, reinforcing India’s push toward self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
The first flying display at this edition of Aero India was dominated by fighter jets — Tejas, Su-30 — but the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) garnered the most applause.
While the Tejas, Su-30, Jaguar, IJT and Rafale participated in the flypast along with a host of helicopters and SKAT, the flying display only saw Tejas and Su-30 among the fighters. The fact that Sarang, IAF’s helicopter display team, which has always been an eye-catcher, was missing in action meant aerobatics was limited to SKAT.
Speaking at the inauguration, Singh highlighted successful examples of international collaboration, including the joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Airbus for C-295 transport aircraft production in Gujarat. He emphasised India’s emergence as a preferred destination for aerospace components and complex system assembly.
The exhibition has attracted a diverse range of participants, including govt representatives, industry leaders, air force officers, scientists, defence sector experts, startups, and academia from across the globe. The event’s schedule includes a defense ministers’ conclave, CEOs Roundtable, and various technology demonstrations.
Recent achievements in domestic defense production include the manufacturing of high-tech products such as the Astra Missile, New Generation Akash Missile, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, Unmanned Surface Vessel, and Pinaka Guided Rocket.
The ministry of defence has declared 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms,’ with Singh inviting suggestions from all stakeholders to accelerate the reform process. The exhibition will run through Feb 14th, with the first three days dedicated to business networking and the final two days open to public viewing.
Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar highlighted Bengaluru’s dominance in India’s aerospace sector during the inauguration, claiming that the city controls more than 60% of the country’s aerospace manufacturing and defence research operations.
He stressed on Karnataka’s critical role in India’s aerospace ambitions, noting that the state contributes 67% of aircraft and helicopter manufacturing for defense services and 65% of aerospace-related exports.
In an appeal to the defense minister, Shivakumar called for incentives to establish complete aircraft and helicopter manufacturing facilities in Karnataka. “While aircraft servicing and repair are well-established in India, the manufacturing of aircraft and helicopters is not yet taking place in our country,” he stated, highlighting the need to retain India’s technical talent within the country.
