Aero India 2025: Asia’s Biggest Defence Expo Takes Flight in Bengaluru

India Hosts Landmark Defence Event

Aero India 2025: Asia’s Biggest Defence Expo Takes Flight in Bengaluru: India’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition, Aero India 2025, was inaugurated on February 10 at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The 15th edition of the event has grown into Asia’s biggest defence expo, showcasing global military technology and India’s advancements in defence manufacturing.

Unmatched Display of Military Hardware and Innovation

Covering over 42,000 square meters, Aero India 2025 features a massive fleet of 70 aircraft, including world-renowned fifth-generation stealth fighters — Russia’s Su-57 and America’s F-35 Lightning II. This year’s event draws participation from 90 nations, including 30 defence ministers and 43 military chiefs.

Aerial demonstrations by 30 helicopters have dazzled spectators, while the India Pavilion and the iDEX Pavilion serve as key platforms for highlighting over 275 indigenous innovations, particularly from Indian defence startups. The spotlight is also on future combat platforms like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF).

Accelerating Self-Reliant Defence Manufacturing

As part of its self-reliance mission, the Indian government has allocated a record ₹6.81 lakh crore in the 2025–26 Union Defence Budget. Out of this, ₹1.80 lakh crore is dedicated to capital acquisitions, with 75% reserved for indigenous procurement, reinforcing the ‘Make in India’ push.

One notable example of successful collaboration is the Tata-Airbus C-295 transport aircraft project in Gujarat, proving India’s ability to assemble and sustain complex defence equipment within the country.

Rising Defence Output and Global Exports

India’s defence industry is poised to cross a production milestone of ₹1.25 trillion (approx. $14.24 billion) by March 2025, driven by domestic manufacture of missiles, UAVs, and fighter jets. On the export front, India aims to touch ₹210 billion, expanding partnerships across Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

Pro-industry policies and strong diplomatic defence ties are enabling India to emerge as a reliable arms exporter and strategic defence partner on the global stage.

Aero India’s Steady Expansion

Since its inception in 1996, Aero India has evolved from a regional showcase to a global defence platform. The 2023 edition saw over 700,000 visitors, 809 exhibitors, and deals worth ₹75,000 crore. The 2025 edition aims to surpass these numbers, emphasizing India’s growing stature in global defence collaboration and technology co-development.

The expo also encourages joint ventures, R&D collaborations, and technology transfers, aligning with India’s long-term goal to become a global defence manufacturing hub.

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