New Delhi, Feb 9 : As India gears up for the 15th edition of Aero India, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the event’s significance in advancing the country’s vision of self-reliance, innovation, and global partnerships.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Singh called the event a testament to India’s resilience and technological prowess, poised to inspire the next generation and bolster national growth.
“Aero India is more than an air show—it’s a platform that reflects the strength of ‘New India.’ It not only strengthens our defence preparedness but also shapes the future of our country by encouraging innovation and partnerships on a global scale,” Singh said.
The minister praised the remarkable improvements in defence production following the corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board. “The newly formed companies have shown exceptional performance, helping us achieve self-reliance in critical defence manufacturing,” he said. Singh added that the government’s concerted efforts to empower private players in the defence and aerospace sectors have created a thriving industry contributing significantly to national security.
Highlighting India’s recent achievements, Singh noted that defence production had reached a record ₹1.27 lakh crore, a figure expected to surpass ₹1.60 lakh crore by 2025-26. Defence exports, which recently hit a historic ₹21,000 crore, are projected to cross ₹30,000 crore in the coming years. He emphasized that the defence industry is playing a pivotal role in not only ensuring national security but also driving India’s economic growth and its ambition of becoming a global powerhouse.
This year’s Aero India, themed ‘The Runway to a Billion Opportunities,’ is set to showcase India’s aerial power, homegrown innovations, and the latest technological advancements from global aerospace firms. Over the course of five days, the event will feature cutting-edge products developed by Indian defence firms, alongside innovations presented by international companies.
The event aligns with the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and its goal of ‘Make in India, Make for the World,’ creating an ideal environment for international collaborations. These partnerships are expected to accelerate India’s indigenisation process and contribute to the Modi government’s vision of a developed India, or Viksit Bharat, by 2047.
The first three days of Aero India 2025 (February 10-12) will be dedicated to business meetings and partnerships, while February 13 and 14 will be open to the public, offering an opportunity to witness live aerial displays and the latest in defence technology.
Singh concluded by underscoring the role of Aero India in promoting collaboration between Indian and global defence firms and enhancing India’s presence in the global defence value chain. The event, he said, will provide fresh momentum to technological advancements and strategic partnerships, propelling India toward its vision of becoming a self-reliant global leader in defence and aerospace.( With inputs from IANS)