Union Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the 15th edition of Aero India, Asia’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition, at Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bengaluru, Karnataka. Held from February 10 to 14, 2025, the five-day event was themed “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities.”
Aero India 2025 brought together global leaders, defence experts, and key stakeholders to showcase India’s aerial capabilities and cutting-edge defence innovations.
About Aero India
- Aero India is a biennial air show and aviation exhibition organized by the Defence Exhibition Organisation (DEO), Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence (MoD).
- The 14th edition was held in Bengaluru from February 13–17, 2023.
- Aero India 2025 featured over 500 delegates from 84 countries, including foreign dignitaries, Defence Ministers, and service chiefs.
- This year’s event saw a record 931 exhibitors, including 782 Indian companies, 58 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and 115 global CEOs.
Key Dignitaries in Attendance
Prominent dignitaries at the event included:
- Sanjay Seth, Minister of State (MoS), MoD
- Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland
- D.K. Shiva Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka
- Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, Chief Secretary of Karnataka
- Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, MoD
- Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production)
Senior defence officials in attendance:
- Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
- Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS)
- Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS)
- Sujeet Pushpakar Dharkhar, Vice Chief of the Air Staff
Spectacular Aerial Displays and Aircraft Showcases
Aero India 2025 featured breathtaking aerial performances and state-of-the-art aircraft displays, highlighting India’s growing aerospace capabilities.
Opening Ceremony Highlights
- The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team of the Indian Air Force (IAF) delivered a stunning performance, executing intricate formations with precision.
- A flypast by IAF’s SU-30 fighter jets in the Trishul formation marked a powerful opening.
Notable Aerial and Aircraft Displays
- The IAF’s MI-17 helicopters performed a Dhwaj formation flypast.
- The IAF’s Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) demonstrated its agility and speed.
- On the second day, the United States Air Force (USAF) F-35 fighter jet and Russia’s Sukhoi SU-57 multirole fighter jet were showcased.
- Bengaluru-based National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) Hansa aircraft successfully completed a sortie, highlighting India’s advancements in civil aviation.
Aero India 2025: Strengthening India’s Global Aerospace Presence
With record-breaking participation, cutting-edge aerial displays, and a strong focus on innovation, Aero India 2025 reaffirmed India’s position as a key player in the global aerospace and defence industry. The event underscored India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing and its growing influence in military aviation technology.