Editor’s Note
Aero India, Asia’s premier aerospace and defence exhibition, showcases the latest aviation technology and spectacular aerial displays. This biennial event in Bengaluru is a key platform for global industry leaders and government officials.
Aero India is Asia’s largest air show. It is a biennial air show and aviation exhibition organized by the Defence Exhibition Organisation, Department of Defence Production, and the Ministry of Defence in Bengaluru. Aero India is India’s premier aerospace and defence exhibition where global aero vendors and the Indian Air Force (IAF) captivate audiences with spectacular aerial displays one after another. It is a major event that brings together global industry giants, government officials, technology experts, and defence strategists on a single platform. This event not only showcases the country’s technical prowess and innovations but also provides a dynamic platform for international cooperation and strategic dialogue.
Aero India has evolved into a premier international event that not only highlights the latest advancements in aerospace technology but also serves as a crucial platform for strategic dialogue between domestic and international stakeholders. The show reflects the country’s commitment to advancing its aerospace and defence capabilities. Over the years, Aero India has played a significant role in:
– **Showcasing Cutting-Edge Technologies:** The event regularly features state-of-the-art aerospace systems, innovative defence solutions, and successful technologies that are shaping the future of air and space travel.
– **Promoting Strategic Dialogue:** Through high-level discussions, Aero India provides a platform for dialogue on policy, defence cooperation, and future roadmaps for the aerospace sector.
– **Enhancing International Partnerships:** With the participation of global aerospace giants and defence agencies, the show underscores India’s growing stature as a key player in the international aerospace community.
This legacy has not only paved the way for the current editions of the event but has also set a high standard for the future. Aero India is more than an exhibition—it is a focal point for innovation, strategy, and national pride.
Aero India 2025 is the 15th edition of the event. Designed as a historic edition, it builds on the successes of its predecessors while showcasing new frontiers in aerospace and defence technology. Aero India 2025 will be held from February 10 to 14, 2025, at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka. The first three days of the show are dedicated to business visitors, while the final two days are open to the general public. Its overarching theme is ‘The Runway to a Billion Opportunities’.
This five-day airshow will feature a preview event, an inauguration ceremony, a Defence Ministers’ Conclave, a CEO Roundtable Conference, an iDEX start-up programme, spectacular air shows, a vast exhibition area including an India Pavilion, and a business fair for aerospace companies.
To facilitate dialogue towards strategic partnerships with friendly countries, India will host the Defence Ministers’ Conclave on the theme ‘BRIDGE – Building Resilience through International Defence Engagement for Global Empowerment’. This encapsulates the dynamic geopolitical landscape and the path to mutual prosperity, which can be linked through cooperation among nations with a shared understanding of security and development.
Several bilateral meetings at the level of Defence Minister, Minister of State for Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, and Secretary will be organized during the airshow. The focus will be on strengthening defence and aerospace relations with partner countries to explore new avenues for taking partnerships to the next level.
The CEO Round-Table is expected to provide a conducive platform for foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for manufacturing in India. The event will see participation from global CEOs, CMDs of domestic public sector undertakings, and Chairmen & Managing Directors of India’s leading private defence and aerospace manufacturing companies.
The India Pavilion will demonstrate India’s commitment to the Make-in-India initiative by showcasing indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and cutting-edge technologies ready for the global stage. Promoting Indian start-ups is a focus area for Aero India 2025, and a wide range of cutting-edge technologies/products developed by them will be displayed in a special iDEX Pavilion.
Additionally, dynamic aerobatic displays and live technology demonstrations will provide an immersive experience while showcasing the capabilities of modern aerospace platforms and technologies. Several seminars on various key themes are also planned during this airshow.
Previous editions of Aero India have played a pivotal role in laying the groundwork for the continuous evolution of India’s aerospace and defence landscape.
The 14th edition of Aero India 2023 was held from February 13 to 17 in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It was the largest edition since its inception in 1996, with participation from over 100 countries and 809 exhibitors. It featured a fly-past with 53 aircraft for the first time, showcasing our air power to people from across the globe. Over 700,000 people attended the five-day airshow.
Aero India 2023 was characterized by a series of significant achievements and impressive displays. The key aspects of the Aero India 2023 edition were:
– **Showcasing Advanced Aerospace Technology:** The 2023 Aero India event provided a platform for companies to display state-of-the-art aerospace systems and defence solutions. It not only demonstrated technological innovation but also set the stage for future progress in the sector.
– **Facilitating Strategic Engagement:** Aero India 2023 was instrumental in bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, industry experts, and international delegations. The event fostered an environment of strategic dialogue focused on collaborative ventures and technical partnerships.