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Aero India 2025, the 15th edition of India’s premier aerospace and defence exhibition, is scheduled from February 10–14, 2025, at the Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bengaluru.

Organised by the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Exhibition Organisation (DEO), the event continues to be a vital forum for promoting India's indigenous defence capabilities and fostering international collaboration.

Evolution of Aero India: From Showcase to Strategic Asset

• Inception (1996): Launched as a modest exhibition to attract foreign investments and highlight India’s aerospace potential.
• Growth Phase (2005–2015): Marked by the entry of global giants like Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and Dassault Aviation. Indigenous platforms like LCA Tejas began gaining prominence.
• Current Phase (2015–Present): Aligned with ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, Aero India has become a symbol of India's defence self-reliance and a magnet for global partnerships.

Aero India 2025 Highlights

1. International Participation and Strategic Displays

• Participation from 15+ countries and major OEMs.
• Russia’s Su-57 and USA’s F-35—two of the world’s most advanced 5th-generation fighters—will be showcased together, reflecting India’s growing strategic importance.
• Other prominent platforms: KC-135 Stratotanker, Embraer C-390, and Light Combat Helicopter Prachand.

2. Indigenous Innovation

• Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA): India’s 5th-generation stealth fighter, developed by HAL and ADA, will be unveiled.
• Indigenous platforms like LCA Mk2, LUH, HTT-40, ALH, and Naval Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter will also be featured.

3. Start-Up Integration via 'Manthan'

• Through the iDEX initiative, Aero India is promoting start-ups working in AI, unmanned systems, cybersecurity, and electronic warfare.
• Start-ups will showcase innovations including jetpack suits, robotics, and defence software tools.

4. Business & Public Engagement

• Business Days: February 10–12, 2025
• Public Days: February 13–14, 2025
• Over 7 lakh visitors expected; the event offers aerial displays, seminars, tech expos, and networking forums.

5. Defence Diplomacy and Deals

• Aero India 2023 had seen over ?80,000 crore worth of MoUs. A similar or higher scale of defence agreements is expected in 2025.
• High-level participation from defence ministers, air chiefs, and CEOs of OEMs, signalling deepening international defence cooperation.

Strategic Significance for India

• Geopolitical Leverage: Participation of both US and Russian defence firms signals India’s strategic autonomy and balanced defence diplomacy.
• Self-Reliance Boost: The event enhances domestic manufacturing by integrating MSMEs, promoting co-development and co-production with foreign partners.
• Global Recognition: Positions India as an emerging aerospace hub in the Indo-Pacific.
• Technological Edge: Demonstrates advancements in stealth technology, avionics, and unmanned systems.

Theme of Aero India 2025: “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities” — highlighting India’s expanding defence manufacturing capabilities and its aim to integrate with the global supply chain.