Wings of self-reliance: India takes flight at Aero India 2025, targeting defence dominance

India’s premier aerospace and defence exhibition, Aero India 2025, kicked off on Monday with a strong focus on promoting domestic defence manufacturing and significantly increasing exports. The biennial event, held in Bengaluru, serves as a platform for India to showcase its growing capabilities in the defence sector and attract international partners.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the air show, emphasizing the government’s commitment to self-reliance in defence production. “Aero India is not just a show, it is a testament to India’s strength and self-reliance in the defence sector,” Singh stated. He highlighted the country’s ambition to become a major player in the global defence market, with a target of significantly increasing both manufacturing and exports in the coming years.

India, currently the world’s largest arms importer, is actively pursuing a strategy to modernize its armed forces while simultaneously reducing its dependence on foreign suppliers. The government’s “Make in India” initiative has been instrumental in encouraging domestic defence production, with a focus on developing indigenous technologies and manufacturing capabilities.

Aero India 2025 witnessed participation from over 150 foreign companies, showcasing a wide range of defence equipment and technologies. The event attracted defence ministers and representatives from approximately 30 countries, indicating the growing international interest in India’s defence sector.

The air show featured a spectacular display of aerial maneuvers by Indian Air Force aircraft, including fighter jets like the Rafale and Tejas. Additionally, the event provided a platform for showcasing indigenous defence equipment, such as helicopters, missiles, and electronic warfare systems.

One of the key highlights of Aero India 2025 was the presence of both the Russian Su-57 and the American F-35 Lightning II, two of the most advanced fifth-generation fighter jets in the world. This rare side-by-side display underscored India’s strategic importance as a hub for international defence collaboration.

India has been actively diversifying its defence partnerships in recent years, seeking to reduce its reliance on traditional suppliers like Russia. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has further accelerated this trend, with India strengthening its ties with Western nations for defence procurement and joint production.

The United States has emerged as a major defence partner for India, with several ongoing collaborations in areas such as fighter jets, naval systems, and unmanned aerial vehicles. The US Embassy in India confirmed the participation of over two dozen American companies at Aero India 2025, highlighting the growing bilateral defence cooperation.

Aero India 2025 served as a platform for India to not only showcase its defence capabilities but also to forge new partnerships and explore potential joint ventures. The event facilitated interactions between Indian and foreign companies, paving the way for future collaborations in defence manufacturing and technology transfer.

The air show also provided an opportunity for India to engage with its strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing the importance of maritime security and regional stability. With increasing concerns over China’s growing military presence, India has been actively strengthening its defence capabilities and expanding its network of security partnerships.

Aero India 2025 underscored India’s growing confidence in its defence capabilities and its determination to become a major player in the global defence landscape. The event highlighted the country’s focus on self-reliance, modernization, and international collaboration, setting the stage for a significant transformation of India’s defence sector in the years to come.