The 15th edition of Aero India 2025 kicked off at the Air Force Station in Yelahanka, Bengaluru, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) unveiling a series of indigenous defence innovations. The five-day event, running from February 10 to 14, serves as a strategic platform for global aerospace leaders, defence experts, and industry stakeholders to explore advancements in military aviation, defence technology, and India’s self-reliance initiatives in the sector.
DRDO’s Advanced Weapon Systems and Indigenous Aircraft Take Center Stage
A key attraction of DRDO’s display is the full-scale model of India’s first 5.5 Generation stealth aircraft, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), reinforcing the country’s Make-in-India initiative and defence manufacturing prowess. Alongside the AMCA, visitors can explore 16 other homegrown defence systems, including the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF), the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-2, and next-generation missile systems.
Other key innovations include:
• Advanced Lightweight Torpedo
• Air Droppable Container (ADC) 150
• Kaveri Derivative Aero Engine
• Hypersonic Missile Systems
DRDO’s outdoor exhibits feature full-scale models of QRSAM Mobile Launcher Vehicle, Akash NG Launcher, and Archer UAV (Rustom-1), demonstrating India’s growing capabilities in air and missile defence. One of the highlights is the upgraded Dornier aircraft, now featuring enhanced avionics, radar systems, fuel efficiency, and electronic warfare capabilities.
Technology Pavilions and Thematic Zones Explore Future Warfare
The DRDO pavilion, situated in Hall-D, is structured into nine key themes, showcasing over 330 defence products across 14 technology zones. The exhibits focus on:
• Airborne Surveillance & Unmanned Systems
• Next-Gen Missile Systems
• Radar Technologies & Electronic Warfare
• Aero Propulsion & Advanced Materials
The outdoor segment provides a closer look at real-world applications of indigenous technologies, from tactical combat drones to electronic warfare systems.
Seminars and Industry Engagement: Fostering Defence Collaboration
A pivotal seminar, titled “DRDO Industry Synergy towards Viksit Bharat: Make in India – Make for World”, focused on:
• Strengthening India’s defence exports
• Encouraging industry collaboration for self-reliance
• Leveraging technology transfer and startup participation
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the seminar and unveiled new policies aimed at accelerating India’s defence R&D ecosystem. Additionally, the Department of Defence Production (DDP) will host the Indigenisation & Valedictory event, “SAMARTHYA”, on Wednesday. This session will recognize contributors to indigenous defence technologies, with the Defence Minister presenting awards to key innovators.
Aero India 2025: India’s Strategic Push in Aerospace and Defence
Inaugurating the event, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Aero India as the “Maha Kumbh Mela of Aviation”, emphasizing its role in showcasing India’s technological advancements and resilience in global defence dynamics. Highlighting the government’s commitment to defence modernization, he noted that the ₹6.81 lakh crore allocation in the Union Budget 2025-26, with ₹1.80 lakh crore earmarked for capital acquisitions, underlines India’s focus on strengthening domestic defence production.
Singh also emphasized India’s rapid transformation from a developing to a developed nation, crediting a structured roadmap under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for fostering a thriving defence industry ecosystem.
India’s Growing Role in Global Aerospace & Defence Partnerships
Singh pointed out India’s expanding role as a global hub for defence manufacturing, with indigenous production of:
• Astra Missiles & Akash Next-Gen Missiles
• Pinaka Guided Rockets
• Unmanned Surface Vessels & Underwater Combat Systems
He also highlighted collaborations with global defence players, citing the Tata-Airbus venture for C-295 transport aircraft production in Gujarat as a significant step in private sector participation in defence manufacturing.
Singh stressed that India seeks to elevate global partnerships beyond transactional arms deals to full-scale industrial collaborations. “Security, stability, and peace are not isolated concepts but shared goals, and India’s commitment to global security is unwavering,” he stated.
Aero India 2025: Unveiling Next-Gen Defence Innovations
This year’s event spans 42,438 square meters and features participation from 30 defence ministers, 43 military chiefs, and representatives from 90 nations.
The exhibition includes:
• 70 fighter jets, cargo planes, and trainer aircraft
• 30 helicopters performing aerial demonstrations
• Over 900 manufacturers showcasing advancements in AI, drones, and cybersecurity American and Russian fighter jets are among the key attractions.
Additionally, 100 CEOs and 50 foreign OEMs will participate in discussions on investment, research, joint ventures, and strategic defence collaboration.
Spotlight on AI, UAV Warfare, and Next-Gen Military Tech
Several cutting-edge innovations are making headlines at Aero India 2025:
• Autonomous Multi-Mode Amphibious Drone – Transforming naval reconnaissance and special ops
• AI-Powered Mission Planning System – Revolutionizing combat strategy using real-time analytics
• MBC2 Swarm Drone System – India’s entry into AI-powered drone swarms
These advancements align with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, reducing reliance on foreign tech while enhancing tri-service operations.
Indigenous Defence Electronics: Strengthening India’s Military
Future DRDO and private players are driving innovation in military-grade electronics with technologies such as:
• Indigenous P-098 Modem – Secure battlefield communications
• Gallium Nitride (GaN) Semiconductor Solutions – Advanced radar and electronic warfare
• D4 Anti-Drone Radar System – Tackling UAV threats with high-precision tracking
Advancements in Airborne Weapon Systems & Space-Military Convergence
India is bridging space technology with military applications, showcasing innovations such as:
• Vikram-1 Space Launch Vehicle – Strengthening private space initiatives
• Miniaturized Multi-Payload Satellite (Garuda Mission) – Tactical space reconnaissance
• Spaceborne Lidar – High-precision mapping for defence applications
Infantry Modernization: Enhancing Soldier Survivability
The event also highlights India’s next-gen battlefield gear, including:
• Multi-Spectral Camouflage Nets – Adaptive concealment against modern sensors
• AI-Driven Tactical Weapon Systems (TAIWS) – Enhancing battlefield command
• Soft Lower Limb Exo-Suit – Increasing soldier endurance in combat zones
Aero India 2025: A Global Aerospace Powerhouse in the Making
With over 700,000 visitors expected, the event continues to be a premier showcase of India’s aerospace and defence ambitions. The first three days are dedicated to business engagements, while the final two days offer the public a glimpse of India’s aerial dominance.
With a strong focus on AI-driven warfare, UAV technology, and indigenous defence systems, Aero India 2025 is cementing India’s position as a global leader in aerospace innovation and self-reliance.
