With the theme of ‘The Runway to a Billion Opportunities’, Asia’s largest aviation show, Aero India-2025, that is lined up to take off on February 10 at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, promises to throw up numerous commercial and technical development opportunities in the military and civilian aviation sectors, while also enthralling aircraft enthusiasts.
This is the 15th edition of the show, organised biennially by the Ministry of Defence, that brings together global industry leaders, government officials, technology experts, and defence strategists under one roof. The event not only showcases the nation’s technological prowess and innovations but also provides a dynamic platform for international cooperation and strategic dialogue.
Defence ministers or their representatives from 30 countries, air chiefs and secretaries from 43 countries and participation of over 90 countries with more than 900 exhibitors, including 150 foreign companies is on the cards this year.
Aero India has evolved into a major international event that not only highlights the latest advancements in aerospace technology but also serves as a critical forum for strategic interactions between domestic and international stakeholders. According to the Ministry of Defence, the show is a reflection of the nation’s commitment to advancing its aerospace and defence capabilities.
Over the years, Aero India has been instrumental in showcasing cutting-edge technologies—the event regularly features demonstrations of state-of-the-art aerospace systems, innovative defence solutions and breakthrough technologies that are shaping the future of air and space travel.
Aero India has been fostering strategic dialogues through high-level interactions. It has provided an arena for discussions on policy, defence collaborations, and the future roadmap of the aerospace sector.
The air show has also been enhancing international partnerships, as it underscores India’s growing stature as a key player in the international aerospace community with participation from global aerospace giants and defence agencies.
Aero India–2025 is being projected as a landmark chapter that leverages the successes of its preceding editions while charting new territories in aerospace and defence technology. The first three days are dedicated to business visitors, while the last two days are open to the general public.
The five-day event comprises a Defence Ministers’ Conclave, CEOs’ round-table, iDEX start-up event, air shows and flying displays, a large exhibition area comprising the India Pavilion and a trade fair of aerospace companies.
To facilitate dialogue towards strategic partnership with friendly countries, India is hosting the conclave on the theme ‘BRIDGE – Building Resilience through International Defence and Global Engagement’. It encapsulates the dynamic geopolitical conditions and the path to mutual prosperity, which can be BRIDGED through cooperation among nations with shared vision of security and development.
A number of bilateral meetings are planned at the levels of the Defence Minister, Minister of State for Defence, Chief of Defence Staff and Defence Secretary among others on the sidelines of the event. The focus will be on bolstering the defence and aerospace ties with friendly countries by exploring newer avenues to take the partnership to the next level.
The CEOs’ roundtable is expected to provide a platform to foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for production of equipment in India. CEOs of global firms and heads of domestic public sector undertakings and private defence and aerospace manufacturing companies from India will be participating in the event.
The India Pavilion will showcase indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and cutting-edge technologies ready for the global stage, including future prospects. Promotion of Indian start-ups is a focus area at Aero India–2025 and a wide spectrum of state-of-the-art technologies/products developed by them will be presented at an exclusive pavilion for the MoD’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme.
In addition to aerobatic displays and live technology demonstrations and showcasing the potential of modern aerospace platforms and technologies, a number of seminars on various contemporary themes are also scheduled during the event.
There would be 13 Indian aerial displays that include skydiving by the IAF’s Akash Ganga team, flypasts by fighters, helicopters, trainers and transport aircraft and performances by the Surya Kiran aerobatic display team.
The foreign component of the aerial display will consist of two latest fifth-generation stealth fighters, the Russian Su-57 Felon and the American F-35 Lightning-II. In addition, the B-1B Lancer supersonic long-range bomber and the KC-135 mid-air refuller, both American, will also be taking to the skies over Bengaluru.
Apart from a vast array of indigenous and foreign aircraft in service with the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard being lined up for static display, foreign aircraft that would be seen on the tarmac include the F-16 fighter from US, A330 and A400M from Airbus, C-390 transporter from Brazil, H-125 helicopter from Airbus, as well as Vicaran and Flexrotor UAVs. The Su-57 and F-35 would also be on ground display.
Over 900 exhibitors from India and abroad are expected to showcase a vast array of products, including aircraft, weapons, avionics, surveillance equipment, aircraft components and subsystems and service solutions.
Major exhibitors include Defence Research and Development Organisation, Airbus, Boeing, Dassault Aviation, Lockheed Martin, Israel Aerospace Industry, BrahMos Aerospace, Army Aviation, HC Robotics, SAAB, Safran, Rolls Royce, Larsen and Toubro, Bharat Forge Limited, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited, Bharat Dynamics Limited and BEML Limited.
According to MoD data, 809 exhibitors from over 100 countries had participated in Aero India’s 14th edition in 2023, which was the largest since the show’s inception in 1996, recording a total footfall of more than seven lakh visitors.
The successes and challenges of Aero India-2023 have provided valuable lessons that have been incorporated into the planning and execution of Aero India-2025, the MoD said, while adding that the focus on operational excellence, international collaboration, and technological innovation serve as the cornerstone for the upcoming edition with expectations of greater achievements, enhanced protocols, refined strategies and an expanded global participation.
