The 15th edition of Aero India, Asia’s premier aerospace and defence exhibition, took off at Air Force Station Yelahanka on Monday, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurating the event. Highlighting the evolving role of India’s defence sector, Singh described it as a vital engine driving the country’s economic growth while showcasing its industrial and technological advancements on the global stage.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister hailed Aero India as the “Kumbh of research,” symbolizing the convergence of innovation and collaboration in defence technology. “This platform demonstrates India’s industrial capabilities to the world while strengthening partnerships with friendly nations. Lasting peace can only be achieved if nations work together for a better world order,” he remarked.
#AeroIndia2025 is all set to be a landmark event! pic.twitter.com/Cw2QeBPIVz
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Transforming India’s Defence Ecosystem
Rajnath Singh emphasized the transformational phase India is undergoing, transitioning from a developing nation to a developed one. He noted how the defence sector, once seen as peripheral to the economy, is now a key component. “Today, it is a motor powering the growth engine of the Indian economy,” Singh declared.
Backing his vision, the Defence Minister pointed to the record allocation of ₹6.81 lakh crore to the Ministry of Defence in the Union Budget 2025-26, including ₹1.80 lakh crore earmarked for capital acquisitions. He highlighted the government’s commitment to indigenization, with 75% of the modernization budget reserved for procurement from domestic sources. He said it aims to bolster the capabilities of India’s defence industrial complex.
Private Sector as Key Partner
Singh underscored the critical role of private enterprises in propelling the defence sector’s growth. “The private sector, with its resilience and entrepreneurship, has the potential to usher in a new wave of prosperity. It’s time for private players in India to become equal partners in defence production, as seen in advanced economies,” he stated.
Citing the Tata-Airbus partnership for manufacturing C-295 transport aircraft in Gujarat, Singh described it as a shining example of public-private collaboration. He also highlighted India’s emergence as a “globally preferred destination for aerospace components and complex system assembly,” with both public and private industries playing pivotal roles.
Showcasing Indigenous Achievements
Reflecting on achievements since the last Aero India, Singh lauded the development of cutting-edge technologies such as the Astra Missile, New Generation Akash Missile, and the Pinaka Guided Rocket. He expressed confidence in surpassing ₹1.27 lakh crore in defence production and ₹21,000 crore in exports, with projections of ₹1.60 lakh crore in production and ₹30,000 crore in exports by the end of 2025-26.
Vision for the Future
Over the next five days, Aero India will feature India’s aerial prowess and indigenous innovations alongside state-of-the-art products from global aerospace companies. Aligned with the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) and ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ visions, the event seeks to foster international collaborations to accelerate indigenization.
The Defence Minister reaffirmed the government’s resolve to make India a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by 2047. “Aero India is not just an event; it is a reflection of our aspirations to build a strong and self-reliant India,” he concluded.
Ravi Shankar
