Aero India to focus on boosting new partnerships, indigenisation

At Aero India 2025, set to open on February 10 in Bengaluru, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) will provide a platform to forge new partnerships and explore avenues to fast-track the indigenisation process.

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The Ministry of Defence announced on Monday that the 15th edition of the biennial Aero India will take place at the Air Force Station, Yelahanka, in Bengaluru, under the theme “Runway to a Billion Opportunities.”

The MoD stated, “The event will provide a platform for forging partnerships between foreign and Indian firms and  exploring newer avenues in the global value chain to accelerate the indigenisation process.”

The ministry aims to surpass the achievements of the previous edition held in 2023. The 2023 event attracted over seven lakh visitors, dignitaries from 98 countries and 809 exhibitors, including businesses, investors, startups and MSMEs. It witnessed over 250 partnerships, including 201 MoUs, major announcements, product launches and technology transfers worth more than Rs 75,000 crore.

“The 2025 edition aims to exceed these milestones and promises to be even more extensive in scope,” the MoD added.

Key highlights of the event will include the Defence Ministers’ Conclave and a CEOs’ roundtable. The Defence Ministers’ Conclave will facilitate strategic dialogues with friendly nations, while numerous bilateral meetings are planned on the sidelines, involving the Defence Minister, Chief of Defence Staff, Defence Secretary and other officials.

These meetings aim to strengthen defence and aerospace ties with partner nations and explore avenues for deepening collaboration.

The CEOs’ roundtable is expected to serve as a platform for foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to explore manufacturing opportunities in India. Participants will include global CEOs, heads of Indian public sector undertakings and leaders of private defence and aerospace companies.

The first three days of the event (February 10-12) will be reserved for business engagements, while February 13 and 14 will be open to the public, allowing attendees to experience the airshow and exhibitions.

The India Pavilion will highlight the country’s commitment to the ‘Make-in-India’ initiative, showcasing indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and cutting-edge technologies poised for the global stage. It will also present future prospects for India’s aerospace and defence sectors.