Aero India 2025

Aero India 2025 is set to take place from February 10 to 14 at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, Karnataka. This biennial aerospace and defence exhibition is Asia’s largest, attracting over 900 exhibitors, including 150 foreign companies. The event is themed “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities,” denoting India’s commitment to self-reliance and innovation in defence. It aims to boost international collaborations while showcasing India’s advancements in aerospace technology.

Significance of Aero India

• Aero India serves as a critical platform for demonstrating India’s defence capabilities.
• It reflects the government’s vision of a self-reliant and secure India.
• The event aims to inspire the youth and promote scientific innovation.
• The participation of over 90 countries indicates growing global confidence in India’s aerospace sector.

Key Features of the Event

The exhibition will cover over 42,000 square metres and include a variety of events such as airshows, seminars, and industry conclaves. Notable features include the Defence Ministers’ Conclave, CEOs Roundtable, and the India Pavilion, which will showcase indigenous defence innovations.

Global Participation

Aero India 2025 will host defence ministers and representatives from approximately 30 countries. The presence of Air Chiefs and high-ranking officials underlines the event’s global significance. This year, the Defence Ministers’ Conclave will focus on supply chain resilience and strategic collaborations.

Technological Showcases

For the first time, Aero India will feature the Russian Su-57 and the American F-35 Lightning II, both advanced fifth-generation fighter aircraft. This provides a unique opportunity to compare Eastern and Western military technologies. The event will also highlight India’s indigenous platforms, including the Light Combat Aircraft (Navy) and various missile systems.

Focus on Indigenisation

Aero India emphasises India’s push for indigenisation in defence manufacturing. The event will showcase projects developed by Indian industries and startups. The iDEX Pavilion will highlight cutting-edge technologies, and the ‘Manthan’ event will discuss the future of defence innovation.

Visitor Experience Enhancements

Significant improvements have been made to enhance visitor experience. Infrastructure upgrades include better traffic management, expanded exhibition halls, and increased security measures. A dedicated mobile app will provide real-time updates and navigation assistance.

Commitment to Sustainability

Aero India 2025 is committed to eco-friendly practices. Initiatives include reduced vehicle movement, extensive waste management, and the use of electric vehicles for visitor transport.

Defence Industrial Growth

The event is expected to drive economic growth through defence production and exports. The government anticipates defence production to exceed ₹1.60 lakh crore by 2025-26, with exports surpassing ₹30,000 crore. This reflects the sector’s role in enhancing national security and economic strength.

Future of Naval Aviation

The Indian Navy will present its vision for self-reliant naval aviation by 2047. A seminar will discuss future requirements and collaborations with the industry, academia, and startups.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of Aero India on India’s defence capabilities and international collaborations.
2. What is the significance of the participation of the Su-57 and F-35 at Aero India 2025? Discuss their technological advancements.
3. Estimate the role of indigenisation in strengthening India’s defence sector. Provide examples of successful indigenous projects.
4. Point out the key features of the Defence Ministers’ Conclave at Aero India 2025 and its implications for global defence cooperation.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of Aero India on India’s defence capabilities and international collaborations.

1. Aero India serves as a platform to showcase India’s advancements in defence technology, enhancing domestic capabilities.
2. The event promotes international collaborations, attracting participation from over 90 countries and defence ministers from around the world.
3. It encourages partnerships in R&D and co-production, aligning with India’s self-reliance vision.
4. Aero India inspires youth and stimulates innovation in the aerospace sector, contributing to a skilled workforce.
5. The exhibition’s scale, with over 900 exhibitors, puts stress on India’s growing stature in the global defence market.

2. What is the significance of the participation of the Su-57 and F-35 at Aero India 2025? Discuss their technological advancements.

1. The Su-57 and F-35 represent cutting-edge fifth-generation fighter technology, showcasing advancements in stealth and avionics.
2. Su-57 is designed for superior air superiority and strike capabilities, featuring supercruise and advanced maneuverability.
3. The F-35 integrates advanced situational awareness and networked combat capabilities, enhancing operational efficiency.
4. Their participation signifies India’s role as a hub for international defence collaboration and technological exchange.
5. This side-by-side comparison offers vital information about Eastern and Western military technologies, benefiting defence analysts and enthusiasts.

3. Estimate the role of indigenisation in strengthening India’s defence sector. Provide examples of successful indigenous projects.

1. Indigenisation reduces dependency on foreign suppliers, enhancing national security and self-reliance in defence.
2. Successful projects include the Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas) and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, both developed domestically.
3. The Akash air defence system and Pinaka missile system exemplify advancements in indigenous missile technology.
4. iDEX initiative has onboarded over 600 start-ups, encouraging innovation in defence technologies.
5. Post corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board has improved efficiency and output in defence production.

4. Point out the key features of the Defence Ministers’ Conclave at Aero India 2025 and its implications for global defence cooperation.

1. The conclave will host representatives from over 80 countries, emphasizing global engagement in defence cooperation.
2. Key themes include supply chain resilience and strategic partnerships, addressing contemporary global security challenges.
3. It provides a platform for discussing joint ventures, co-production, and collaborative R&D efforts among nations.
4. High-level participation from defence ministers and service chiefs reinforces the event’s significance in international relations.
5. The conclave aims to strengthen alliances and promote collective defence capabilities among friendly nations.