Defense minister Rajnath signals need for enhancement
Aero India 2025 Kicks Off, Showcasing India's Technological Advancements
The 15th edition of Aero India, Asia's largest aerospace and defense exhibition, has commenced at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the event, which will run over the next five days and aims to showcase India's industrial capability and technological advancements to the world.
The theme of this year's Aero India is "The Runway To A Billion Opportunities," reflecting the government's focus on the defense sector as a motor powering the growth engine of the Indian economy. The event is expected to further strengthen symbiotic relations with friendly countries and bring together various stakeholders from around the world.
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh led the first sortie of Aero India 2025 in the Tejas combat aircraft, marking the official start of the exhibition. Other notable performances included the Varun formation by the Indian Navy and the arrow formation by the Jaguar aircraft. The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) displayed various formations using BAE Systems Hawk Mk 132 aircraft, while the Trishul formation was performed by three Sukhoi aircraft.
One of the highlights of the event was the Shakti formation by women pilots, demonstrating the increasing role of women in the Indian Air Force. The SKAT drew a tricolour and a heart pierced by the cupid's arrow during their performance.
Global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have been invited to leverage the expanding Indian defense ecosystem and address geopolitical challenges. Major strategic and private sector players engaged through initiatives like the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), ISRO, and partnerships with private space enterprises such as Pixel Space India, as well as companies involved in the public–private Satellite-Based Surveillance (SBS-III) program, are participating in the event.
During the event, the defense minister highlighted the achievements from the last Aero India, including the manufacturing of high-tech products such as Astra Missile, New Generation Akash Missile, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, Unmanned Surface Vessel, and Pinaka Guided Rocket within the country.
Aero India 2025 is a confluence of critical and frontier technologies, providing a platform to strengthen relations among like-minded countries. The event is expected to be a significant step forward in showcasing India's technological advancements to the world and further boosting the country's defense capabilities.
