India’s & global major’s aviation – civil and defence might and aerospace advancements – to be on show at the five day gala Aero Show which marks its 15th edition this year.
The stage is set as the country’s Aviation Capital – namma Bengaluru plays host for the 15th Edition of Aero India, Asia’s largest air show and aviation exhibition, which gets underway at the Air Force Station, Yelahanka, from February 10 – 14, 2025.
The biennial air show, which saw its inception in 1996, is billed as the country’s most prestigious and premier aerospace and defence exhibition, which sees global civil and defence aviation majors, aeronatics plays and aero vendors, touch down for five days of intense confabulations and possible defence and civil aviation deals running into crores of rupees and billions of dollars.
The flagship event which brings together global industry leaders, government officials, technology experts, and defence strategists under one ubiquitous umbrella provides a platform not only showcase the country’s technological prowess and innovations but also provides a dynamic platform for international cooperation and strategic dialogue.
The gala jamboree also sees the global major aerospace and aviation majors strut their stuff as they pitch for the the mega business pie with the metallic birds both on static ground and aerial aerobatic flying displays captivating and catching the eye of the who’s who of the fastest growing sector.
Billed as the “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities”, the 15th Edition will see only business visitors allowed the first three days of the event, with the general public having a chance to visit and enjoy the air shows on the last two days – up, close and personal, be wowed by the spectacular air display spectacle and be enamoured by the aviation mights of the various nations and of course, India.
The biennial aviation event, not only serves as a premier platform for industry leaders to connect and shape the future of aerospace, but also as the most modern innovative business h hub for business exchanges, product showcases, and forging strategic partnerships. It’s where the next generation of aerospace innovation takes form, making it essential for businesses looking to influence the industry’s trajectory.
With a record of over Rs 6.81 lakh crore allocated in the Union Budget 2025-26 for the Ministry of Defence, an increase of 9.53% from current fiscal year, keeping with, and in pursuance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi headed government’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’ with technologically-advanced and ‘Aatmanirbhar’ Armed Forces, Aero India 2025 acts as a fulcrum for the achievement of this vision and dream.
Incidentally, there has been an enhanced budgetary allocation for Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) as well. It has been increased to Rs 26,816.82 crore in FY 2025-26 from Rs 23,855.61 crore in fiscal year 2024-25 a 12.41% higher than the budget estimates of 2024-25.
Out of this, a major share of Rs 14,923.82 crore has been allocated for capital expenditure and to fund the R&D projects. This will financially strengthen the DRDO in developing new technologies with special focus on fundamental research and hand-holding of the private parties through Development-cum-Production Partner.
The increased allocation under Capital Head of DRDO will further provide adequate financial resources in funding the projects to be taken up in collaboration with private parties through flagship scheme of DRDO i.e. Technology Development Fund and will assist the development of Deep Technology in the defence sector.
Furthermore, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France expected to see a rash of aviation defence deals being inked such as for 26 Rafale-M combat jets for the Indian Navy, as also in the areas of defence, such as Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) and France-India roadmap on Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is only in the fitness of things that Aero India is happening at the same time.
Incidentally, it may be noted that Safarn, whose engines power the Rafale and Mirage-2000 fighter jets in service with the Indian Air Force, will be present at Aero India. The company has a major footprint with 17 facilities, over 2400 employees, and significant partnerships with Indian defence and aerospace organisations, according to the company’s statement. Safran has been the pioneer for engine MRO in India both for helicopter engines and commercial LEAP engines, developed by CFM International, a joint venture between Safran aircraft engines and GE aerospace.
In addition to Rafale-M fighter deal, the deal for three additional Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarines is said to be in advanced stages likely to be concluded in the next couple of months. Together, the deals are worth around $10-11 billion. In addition, the two countries in advanced stages of talks for co-design and co-development of a 110 KN aero engine to power India’s fifth generation fighter, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, that is under development.
Meanwhile, at the Aero India 2025 one will see United States Air Force showcasing its F-35, B-1B ‘Lancer’, and KC-135 ‘Stratotanker’, while Russia’s Su-57 will be there.. Swedish defence company SAAB will have iuts Gripen-E fighter jet.
Meanwhile, the model of India’s fifth-generation fighter jet AMCA is also envisaged to be on full display for first time at the Air Force Station ground zero. The 1:1 model of AMCA will be placed at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) India pavilion.
Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) a single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather fifth-generation stealth, multirole combat aircraft being developed for the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy, has designed and developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency while HAL is the production agency. The Cabinet Committee on Security has approved the project for the design and development. The first prototype of the aircraft is expected to roll out in the coming years.
S VISWANATH is a veteran film critic who officiates as JURY at several National & International Film Festivals. He deputises as CHIEF CINEMA CURATOR/PROGRAMMER & CREATIVE ADVISOR for Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes). He also curates & advises on the selection of shorts & documentaries for Bengaluru International Short Film Festival (BISFF). Mr Viswanath is the author of “RANDOM REFLECTIONS: A Kaleidoscopic Musings on Kannada Cinema”.
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