The 15th edition of Aero India commenced at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, Karnataka on February 10, 2025. The event was officially inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. This year's theme, "The Runway to a Billion Opportunities," underscored India's commitment to showcasing its aerial capabilities and promoting indigenous innovations in line with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India, Make for the World' initiatives.

The Defence Minister pointed out that the defence sector, once peripheral to the national economy, is now a driving force.

In his inaugural speech, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised the significance of Aero India 2025 as a platform for international collaboration. He pointed out that the defence sector, once peripheral to the national economy, is now a driving force. Talking about the recent budget he stated 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, underscores the government's prioritisation of defence. Notably, 75 per cent of the modernisation budget is reserved for procurement through domestic sources, aiming to enhance India's Defence Industrial Complex.

The Defence Minister reiterated the government's commitment to increasing private sector participation in defence production. 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 of successful collaboration. Singh also highlighted 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 within the country. He also expressed the government's resolve to surpass the ₹1.27 lakh crore defence production and ₹21,000 crore defence exports figures in the coming times.

India, iDEX & Karnataka Pavilions

The Defence Minister inaugurated India, iDEX & Karnataka Pavilions at Aero India 2025. The India Pavilion showcased the design, development, innovation and manufacturing capabilities of the domestic defence industries through state-of-the-art products and technologies. It signified the 'Flight of Self-Reliance' which encapsulates synergy among the three Services and the space sector and India's journey towards becoming a global aerospace and defence powerhouse.

At the India Pavilion, nearly 200 exhibits were displayed through various mediums, represented by the complete defence ecosystem of the country including Defence PSUs, design houses and private companies including MSMEs and startups. The exhibits at the Central Area include a striking display of marquee platforms including Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, Combat Air Teaming System and Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter.

The Defence Minister reiterated the government's commitment to increasing private sector participation in defence production.

At the iDEX Pavilion, leading innovators displayed indigenously-developed products spanning a wide range of advanced domains including Aerospace, DefSpace, Aero Structures, Anti-drone systems, Autonomous Systems, Robotics, Communication, Cybersecurity, Surveillance & Tracking, Unmanned Ground Vehicles etc. The Pavilion also featured a dedicated section highlighting the winners of the ADITI (Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX) scheme, showcasing their ground-breaking works in critical and niche technologies.

Defence Minister unveiled three publications - iDEX Report 2024, iDEX Coffee Table Book and iDEX Finance Manual on the occasion. The iDEX Report and Coffee Table Book highlight the key milestones of the defence innovation ecosystem, celebrating the contributions of innovators & stakeholders. The iDEX Finance Manual simplifies the existing finance procedures to enhance the pace of projects, and facilitate ease of doing innovation for the iDEX winners.

The Karnataka Pavilion showcased cutting-edge technologies from the defence and aerospace industries from the state. These innovations highlighted Karnataka's robust ecosystem in defence and aerospace, supported by over 2,000 SMEs.

Aerial Display Highlights from Aero India 2025

The inaugural day of Aero India 2025 at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru featured a series of meticulously coordinated aerial displays, showcasing India's aviation capabilities and advancements in indigenous aircraft.

The aerial display commenced with an AN-32 aircraft executing a paradrop of the Akash Ganga skydiving team, setting a dynamic tone for the day's events. A series of formation flights followed:

Rajnath Singh also expressed the government's resolve to surpass the ₹1.27 lakh crore defence production and ₹21,000 crore defence exports figures in the coming times.

• Dhwaj Formation: Led by two MiG-29s, this formation showcased the agility and power of these fighter jets.
• Tejas Formation: Three LCA Tejas MK1 aircraft flew in close formation, with the Chief of Air Staff taking the lead as No. 2, highlighting the leadership's confidence in indigenous platforms.
• Bhim Formation: Featured the Light Utility Helicopters (LUH), underscoring advancements in India's rotary-wing capabilities.
• Rakshak Formation: Debuting at Aero India, this formation comprised Indian Coast Guard Dornier aircraft, emphasising maritime surveillance capabilities.
• Drona Formation: A synchronised flight of one AN-32 flanked by two Dornier aircraft, demonstrating transport and logistical coordination.
• Yodha Formation: Showcased the LCA Tejas MK1A, marking a significant milestone in India's journey towards self-reliance in defence aviation.
• Varuna Formation: An impressive display by the Indian Navy, featuring a P-8I maritime patrol aircraft accompanied by two MiG-29Ks and two Hawk trainers, highlighting naval aviation strength.
• Saathi Formation: Included the C-295 aircraft, recently integrated into the fleet, flanked by two C-29s, symbolising international collaboration and modernisation efforts.
• Arjuna Formation: Five Jaguar aircraft, with the lead aircraft bearing the call sign 'Aruna', executed precise maneuvers, showcasing deep penetration strike capabilities.
• Netra Formation: Featured the Embraer jet-based Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&C) flanked by two Su-30 MKIs, underscoring advancements in aerial surveillance and control.
• Shakti Formation: A unique all-women crew piloted a formation comprising a Rafale and a Su-30 MKI, symbolising the increasing role of women in combat aviation.
• Trishul Formation: Concluded the formation flights with three Su-30 MKIs performing synchronised maneuvers, demonstrating air superiority.

The event also featured captivating solo performances:

• Tejas: Executed a series of aerobatic maneuvers, including barrel rolls and horizontal figure-eight, showcasing its agility and advanced avionics.
• Indigenous Jet Trainer (IJT) - HJT-36: Displayed its training capabilities with precise aerobatic routines, highlighting its role in pilot training programmes.
• Sukhoi Su-30 MKI: Performed the complex 'loop tumble yaw' maneuver, followed by a feather-weight touch down, demonstrating the aircraft's exceptional maneuverability despite its 30-tonne weight.

In a historic first, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh jointly piloted the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, underscoring the armed forces' commitment to self-reliance in defence technology.

The India Pavilion signified the 'Flight of Self-Reliance' which encapsulates synergy among the three Services and the space sector and India's journey towards becoming a global aerospace and defence powerhouse.

Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu on Tuesday took a sortie on the indigenous trainer jet 'Yashas' at the ongoing Aero India 2025. The minister took a sortie on trainer jet 'Yashas' manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), according to an official release.

The presence of these two fifth-generation fighter jets has added some zest to the air display element of the event, which has otherwise been dull with some of the regulars like the Sarang Aerobatic Display team missing in action.

Key Highlights from Aero India 2025

• Aero India 2025 featured the Russian Su-57 and American F-35 Lightning, marking a milestone in global defence collaboration where the best of the stealth contemporaries were seen in the same airspace.
• Godrej & Boyce's aerospace division signed an MoU with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) to manufacture flight control actuators for India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), supporting self-reliance.
• Zen Technologies signed an MoU with TXT e-Tech and PACE to develop advanced pilot training solutions, enhancing simulation and training capabilities in aviation.
• Tata Elxsi and Garuda Aerospace partnered to establish a UAV design and certification center, focusing on indigenous drone technology for defence, agriculture, and smart cities.
• Bengaluru-based Scandron launched the CargoMax 20KHC, a fully autonomous drone with a 200 kg payload capacity, a 15 km operational range, and a 6,000m ceiling.
• Kalyani Strategic Systems and L3Harris Technologies signed an MoU to enhance India's tactical communication network, expanding L3Harris' existing global radio network.
• Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) partnered with Raddef Pvt Ltd to develop, manufacture, and market indigenous Coastal Surveillance Radars (CSR).
• GE Aerospace signed a five-year Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) contract with the Indian Air Force to support the T700-GE-701D engines powering the Apache helicopter fleet, ensuring efficient MRO services.
• Adani Defence & Aerospace and DRDO introduced a Vehicle-Mounted Counter-Drone System with a high-energy laser capable of neutralising threats within a 10km range.
• Bell Textron signed a purchase agreement with Span Air for a Bell 429 helicopter, strengthening its presence in India's rotary-wing market.
• Merlinhawk Aerospace, in collaboration with L3Harris, established a WESCAM MX-Series EO/IR systems service center in Bengaluru to enhance local servicing capabilities.
• Rafael and Centum Electronics signed a Teaming Agreement to advance Spectrum Dominance, AI-driven Intelligence Systems, and Electronic Warfare solutions for the Indian Armed Forces.
• Pune-based ALTAIR Infrasec and Italy's MWfly established AMW Aero Engines Pvt Ltd, a joint venture focused on advancing aero-engine technology in India under the 'Make in India' initiative.
• Dynamatic Technologies hosted Deutsche Aircraft at Aero India 2025, reinforcing their collaboration in aviation manufacturing under the 'Make in India' programme.

The iDEX Pavilion displayed indigenously-developed products spanning a wide range of advanced domains including Aerospace, DefSpace, Aero Structures, Anti-drone systems, Autonomous Systems, etc.

India's defence and aerospace sectors underwent a significant transformation, with a strong focus on self-reliance and international collaboration. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in his inaugural address at Aero India 2025 on February 12, emphasised that this vision aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's broader goal of national empowerment and self-sufficiency.

Highlighting India's progress in defence manufacturing, Rajnath Singh noted the country's advancements from small artillery to sophisticated systems such as BrahMos and Akash missiles. He emphasised the growing trust and collaboration among stakeholders, which have strengthened India's defence industrial base and facilitated export expansion to multiple countries.

Aero India 2025 featured the Russian Su-57 and American F-35 Lightning, marking a milestone in global defence collaboration where the best of the stealth contemporaries were seen in the same airspace.

Singh hailed Aero India 2025 as a landmark event fostering global partnerships in defence and aerospace. He underscored India's policy shift toward self-reliance and acknowledged the remarkable progress in indigenous defence production. A key moment of the event was the first-ever 'Samarthya' showcase, where domestically developed defence equipment, including Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM), was exhibited, reinforcing India's commitment to advanced indigenous defence technology.

Further supporting the indigenisation drive, the Raksha Mantri unveiled the inaugural 'Samarthya' Coffee Table Book, alongside a range of domestically developed defence systems. The event also featured the release of the 'Compendium on Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)', highlighting groundbreaking innovations in the sector. Additionally, the Defence Innovation Challenge culminated in a grand finale and prize distribution ceremony, recognising outstanding contributions in defence and aerospace innovation.

Aero India 2025 witnessed record participation, exceeding expectations with 930 exhibitors and a 43 per cent increase in static displays, featuring 34 aircraft. Notable highlights included the Su-57 and F-35 fighter jets, which emerged as major attractions.

However, despite the event's overwhelming success in industry engagement and global participation, logistical challenges, particularly those affecting attendee experience and the traffic, raised concerns and underscored the need for future improvements.