Rajnath Singh inaugurates Aero India 2025, showcasing India’s aerospace and defence advancements

Rajnath Singh inaugurates Aero India 2025, showcasing India’s aerospace and defence advancements

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated Aero India 2025, the 15th edition of Asia’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition, in Bengaluru on Monday. Describing it as the “Maha Kumbh Mela of aviation,” he emphasised that the five-day event will highlight India’s technological advancements and resilience amid global uncertainties.

Addressing the event, Singh highlighted that the record allocation of ₹6.81 lakh crore to the Ministry of Defence in the Union Budget 2025-26, including ₹1.80 lakh crore for capital acquisition, demonstrates the government’s commitment to defence as a top-priority sector. He added that, similar to the previous budget, 75% of the modernisation budget has been reserved for procurement through domestic sources to further strengthen India’s defence industrial complex.

Singh highlighted that India is undergoing a transformational phase, rapidly progressing from a developing to a developed nation. He emphasised that a vibrant and thriving defence industry ecosystem has emerged due to a concerted, sustained, and well-thought-out roadmap by the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The defence industrial sector, which was not previously viewed as an economic driver, has now been fully integrated into the country’s economic framework. Today, it is a key engine powering India’s growth,” he said.

Highlighting India’s emergence as a global hub for aerospace components and complex system assembly, he stressed the collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors in driving this progress. Products such as Astra missiles, new-generation Akash missiles, autonomous underwater vehicles, unmanned surface vessels, and Pinaka guided rockets are now being manufactured domestically, reinforcing India’s capabilities in cutting-edge defence technology.

Emphasising the growing role of the private sector in this transformation, he cited the joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Airbus for the production of C-295 transport aircraft in Gujarat as a prime example. He noted that private industry has been at the forefront of defence production in many advanced countries and asserted that the time has come for India’s private sector to play an equally significant role in defence manufacturing.

Singh noted that while international interactions often remain at a transactional level between buyers and sellers, India is committed to elevating these partnerships to industrial collaboration. Citing successful co-production and co-development efforts with partner nations, he stressed that security, stability, and peace cannot be achieved in isolation but are shared constructs beyond national borders. The presence of foreign delegates, he added, reflected a collective vision of global unity.

Speaking on India’s geopolitical stance, Singh underlined that despite global uncertainties, the country continues to experience peace and prosperity. He reiterated that India has never engaged in aggression or great power rivalries and has consistently advocated stability, a principle deeply embedded in its fundamental ideals. Singh emphasized that cooperation with India is key to ensuring global peace and stability.

Aero India 2025 is being held over 42,438 square metres, with participation from 30 defence ministers and 43 military chiefs from various countries. A total of 90 nations will be represented at the event. The exhibition will feature 70 fighter jets, cargo aircraft, and trainer aircraft, along with 30 helicopters, all performing aerial stunts. Russian and American fighter jets will be the key highlights of the exhibition.

Additionally, over 900 manufacturers from different countries will showcase advancements in AI, drones, cybersecurity, global aerospace, and emerging technologies.

Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) products will be prominently displayed in this edition of the show.

The event will also witness the participation of 100 CEOs from various companies and 50 foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Discussions will focus on investment, research, joint ventures, and the defence sector.

There will be seminars covering ten different topics, along with over 70 flying displays as part of the air show. The event is expected to attract a crowd of more than 700,000 spectators.

For the 15th time, the US is participating in Aero India and will showcase a range of advanced aircraft, reinforcing the strong and growing defence and aerospace partnership between India and the US. Both countries share a commitment to promoting regional security, stability, economic prosperity, and strategic investment ties.

More than two dozen American exhibitors will engage with their Indian counterparts at Aero India 2025, explore new business opportunities, and present innovative solutions in aviation and defence.These companies will display advancements in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), fighter aircraft, advanced avionics, and defence electronics.

The 15th edition of Aero India is being held from February 10 to 14. The first three days, from February 10 to 12, are designated as business days, while February 13 and 14 are open to the public to witness the show.