In February 2025, Union Minister Rajnath Singh, the Ministry of Defence (MoD), inaugurated the 15th edition of Aero India, Asia’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition, at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- The five-day event took place from February 10 to 14, 2025, with the theme “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities.”
- The event showcased India’s aerial capabilities and defence innovations, bringing together global leaders, experts, and stakeholders.
About Aero India:
i.Aero India is a biennial air show and aviation exhibition, organised by the Defence Exhibition Organisation(DEO), Department of Defence Production(DDP), Ministry of Defence(MoD).
ii.The 14th edition of Aero India was held from February 13-17, 2023 in Bengaluru.
Key Dignitaries : Several dignitaries attended the event, including Sanjay Seth, Minister of State (MoS); MoD, Neiphiu Rio,Chief Minister (CM) of Nagaland; Doddalahalli Kempegowda (D.K.) Shiva Kumar, Deputy CM of Karnataka; Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, Chief Secretary(CS) of Karnataka ; Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, MoD, Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production) and defence officials such as Anil Chauhan,Chief of Defence Staff (CDS); Dinesh K. Tripathi,Chief of the Naval Staff(CNS); Upendra Dwivedi,Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) and VSujeet Pushpakar (S.P.) Dharkhar,ice Chief of the Air Staff.
Participants:
Over 900 exhibitors, including 150 foreign companies, are participating, making this the biggest-ever Aero India edition. Representatives from over 90 countries, including 30 Defence Ministers and 43 Air Chiefs, are attending the event.
Highlights of Aero India 2025:
The first three days, from February 10 to 12, 2025 are designated as business days, while February 13 to 14, 2025 are reserved as public days for visitors.
- The event features: the Defence Ministers’ Conclave, the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) Roundtable, the inauguration of the India Pavilion and Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) Pavilion, the Manthan iDEX event, the Samarthya Indigenisation event, and an exhibition of aerospace companies.
Aerial Displays and Aircraft Showcases:
i.The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team of the Indian Air Force (IAF) delivers a stunning aerial performance, executing intricate formations with precision.
- A flypast of IAF’s SU-30 fighter jets in the Trishul formation marks a powerful opening ceremony.
ii.The IAF’s MI-17 helicopters perform a Dhwaj formation flypast, IAF’s Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) demonstrates its agility and speed.
iv.The second day featured an impressive aerial display by the United States of America (USA) Air Force’s F-35 fighter and Russia’s Sukhoi (SU)-57 multirole fighter jet was displayed on the ground.
v.Bengaluru (Karnataka)- based National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL)’s Hansa aircraft successfully completes a sortie, underlining progress in civil aviation.
Inauguration of India, iDEX, and Karnataka Pavilions at Aero India 2025:
In February 2025, Union Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the India Pavilion, Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX Pavilion), and Karnataka Pavilion at Aero India 2025.
I.The India Pavilion presents India’s advancements in defence manufacturing, innovation, and design. It represents the ‘Flight of Self-Reliance’, reflecting coordination among the Indian Army (IA), Indian Navy (IN), Indian Air Force (IAF), and the space sector.
- India’s defence advancements are showcased through 275+ exhibits from Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), private companies,Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and start-ups.
i.Featured platforms include full-scale model of India’s first 5.5 Generation stealth aircraft, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), Combat Air Teaming System (CATS), and Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF).
ii.DRDO showcased advanced defence technologies through working models, full-scale prototypes, interactive exhibits, indoor pavilions, outdoor displays, and live demonstrations
iii.A special section showcases winners of the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with Innovations for Defence Excellence (ADITI with iDEX) scheme, featuring advancements in critical defence technologies.
II.The iDEX Pavilion focuses on indigenous technological advancements, covering areas like Aerospace, DefSpace, Aero Structures, Anti-Drone Systems, Autonomous Systems, Robotics, Communication, Cybersecurity, Surveillance & Tracking, and Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs).
i.During the event, the Union Minister Rajnath Singh released three publications:
- iDEX Report 2024, highlighting key achievements in defence innovation.
- iDEX Coffee Table Book, recognizing the contributions of innovators.
- iDEX Finance Manual, simplifying financial procedures to support faster project execution and innovation.
III.The Karnataka Pavilion displays cutting-edge technologies from the state’s defence and aerospace industries, supported by over 2,000 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
India-UK Expand Defence Cooperation:
India and the United Kingdom (UK) have taken a significant step in strengthening their defence collaboration with the launch of Defence Partnership – India (DP-I) and multiple agreements signed at Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru.
- UK Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker inaugurated the UK-India Defence Partnership Pavilion, establishing a programme office within the UK’s Ministry of Defence to facilitate bilateral defence cooperation.
Key Agreements:
i.A major development in defence cooperation is the agreement between Thales UK and Hyderabad, (Telangana) – based Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), operating under MoD, to supply Laser Beam Riding Man Portable Air Defence Systems (LBRM).
- The contract includes the initial delivery of High Velocity Missiles (STARStreak) and launchers.
ii.Additionally, Thales and BDL will collaborate on the development of Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs), integrating Indian manufacturers into Thales’ global supply chain.
Note: Matra BAe Dynamics (MBDA) UK and BDL are working together to establish an Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) assembly and testing facility in Hyderabad(Telangana) to support both India’s fighter aircraft fleet and export markets.
iv.On the maritime front, the UK and India have signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) to develop an Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system for India’s future Landing Platform Dock (LPD) fleet.
HAL’s HJT-36 Renamed ‘Yashas’ :
Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary of Department of Defence Production(DDP), MoD, unveiled the new name of Hindustan Jet Trainer ‘HJT-36’, now called ‘Yashas’, at Aero India 2025.
- The renaming follows extensive modifications to improve departure characteristics and spin resistance, ensuring enhanced performance.
- It is a subsonic intermediate jet trainer aircraft designed and developed by Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC) and built by Bengaluru based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
i.Yashas is powered by a Full Authority Digital Engine controlled (FADEC) – AL55I jet engine, for high thrust-to-weight ratio.
ii.A state-of-the-art glass cockpit, equipped with Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) and a Head-Up Display (HUD), improves operational control and armament carriage up to 1,000 kilograms (kgs).
Adani Defence & DRDO Unveil Vehicle-Mounted Counter-Drone System:
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) – based Adani Defence & Aerospace, in partnership with the New Delhi (Delhi)- based Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) operating under MoD,introduced a Vehicle-Mounted Counter-Drone System at Aero India 2025. This system is designed to detect, track, and neutralize hostile drones with high precision
- The launch was led by Dr. B.K. Das, Director General(DG), (Electronics & Communication System, ECD), DRDO.
i.The system is mounted on a 4×4 vehicle, ensuring high mobility and rapid deployment.
ii.It features a high-energy laser for drone neutralization and a 7.62 millimeter (mm) gun for aerial engagement.
iii.It is equipped with radars, electro-optical sensors, and jammers for real-time tracking and interception up to 10 kilometres (Km).
GE Aerospace Signs 5-Year Contract with IAF for T700 Engines maintenance:
General Electric (GE) Aerospace, headquartered in Ohio, United States of America (USA), has signed a five-year Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to support the sustainment of T700-GE-701D engines powering its AH-64E-I Apache helicopters.
- Under this agreement, GE Aerospace will handle the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) of the T700 engines and flight line components, ensuring optimal engine availability for the IAF.
- The PBL model aims to enhance the Apache fleet’s operational readiness.
ideaForge Launches NETRA 5 and Advanced UAVs at Aero India 2025
Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based ideaForge Technology Limited introduced its latest Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), NETRA 5, along with the SWITCH V2 Tactical UAV and a logistics UAV concept at Aero India 2025.
i.NETRA 5 is a lightweight, advanced drone designed for both defence and civilian applications.
- It weighs approximately 8 kgs and operates within a range of 10-15 km. The drone can remain airborne for up to 75 minutes and features a drop mechanism capable of carrying payloads between 1.5 to 2 kg.
ii.The UAV includes a primary payload equipped with dual Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors and a secondary payload bay that supports various technologies such as Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), Multispectral Imaging, and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).
iii.NETRA 5 is particularly useful for mapping, mining area planning, and volumetric estimation in oil and gas fields and plays a crucial role in counter-insurgency efforts, crime control, anti-terror operations, and coastal security.
BEL and Safran Partner to Manufacture HAMMER Weapon in India
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, has partnered with Safran Electronics & Defense, a aerospace company, based in France to establish a joint venture (JV) for manufacturing and maintaining Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (HAMMER) weapons in India.
- The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by K.V. Suresh Kumar, Director (Marketing) of BEL, and Alexandre Ziegler, Executive Vice President of Safran Electronics & Defence at Aero India 2025.
i.These precision-guided air-to-ground weapons are used on the Rafale fighter jets of the IAF.
ii.Additionally, BEL and Safran plan to set up a Centre of Excellence (CoE) focused on strengthening India’s defence technology and manufacturing capabilities.
Tata Elxsi and Garuda Aerospace Collaborate on Indigenous Drone Technologies:
Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based Tata Elxsi Limited has partnered with Chennai (Tamil Nadu)-headquartered Garuda Aerospace Private Limited at Aero India 2025 to establish a dedicated center for drone design, engineering, and certification.
- This initiative aims to develop advanced drone technologies for defense, agriculture, and smart city applications.
i.Tata Elxsi will handle key aspects such as designing, developing, testing, and certifying drone subsystems.
ii.Garuda Aerospace will manage business acquisition and project execution.
BEML Limited Unveils New Brand Identity ‘Infinix’ :
BEML Limited (formerly Bharat Earth Movers Limited) – based in Bengaluru, introduced its new brand identity, ‘Infinix’, at the Aero India 2025 event.
- Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), unveiled the new logo at the BEML stall, alongside Shantanu Roy, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of BEML Ltd.
- At the event, BEML showcased its latest advancements in aerospace, defense, and strategic engineering, highlighting its Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) like Vihangam-35 for reconnaissance and surveillance, developed with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Kanpur), Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Abhinandan HNX50, a next-generation Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS).
Other Points:
i.During Aero India 2025, Union Minister Rajnath Singh met with Defence Minister of Republic of Fiji’s Pio Tikoduadua.
- The discussions focused on strengthening military ties through the India-Fiji Joint Working Group (JWC) , maritime security and naval capacity building.
ii.Union Minister Rajnath Singh also met with Defence Minister of Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax; Chief of Staff of the People’s National Army of Algeria, General Saïd Chanegriha; and Defence Minister of the Republic of Zambia Ambrose Lwiji Lufuma.
iii.Chief of the Air Staff Amar Preet (AP) Singh and Chief of the Army Staff Upendra Dwivedi flew together for the first time in the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas during a 45-minute flight at Yelahanka Air Force Station.
iv.Aero India 2025 showcases India’s advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous systems, and drone warfare, featuring innovations like an Autonomous Multi-Mode Amphibious Drone, an AI-powered mission planning & Debrief System, and the MBC2 Swarm Drone System.
About Ministry of Defence (MoD):
Union Minister– Rajnath Singh ( Constituency-Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, UP)
Minister of State (MoS)– Sanjay Seth (Constituency- Ranchi, Jharkhand)
