Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said he will be attending the 15th edition of 'Aero India' in Bengaluru that will showcase cutting-edge defence technologies and global aviation excellence. 'Aero India' is billed as Asia's largest air show, and hosted at Air Force Station, Yelahanka in the southern city.
Air Chief Marshal A P Singh and Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi set the tone for the grand Aero India-2025 by flying in the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas here at Yelahanka based Air Force Station.
The performance by the top brasses was the prelude to the biannual event, which commences on Monday and will continue till February 14. All eyes were glued to the sky as the Air Chief Marshal flew the metal bird with the Army Chief.
After the successful sortie, General Dwivedi termed the experience as the best moment in his life. For the Army Chief, the experience was such that he called the Air Chief Marshal his guru and even regretted why he did not opt for the Indian Air Force.
LCA Tejas is an Indian combat aircraft designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy.
"Leaving New Delhi for Bengaluru to attend the 15th edition of Biennial Aero-India. AeroIndia2025 will showcase cutting-edge defence technologies and global aviation excellence. Looking forward to witness the future of aerospace sector," Singh shared on social media.
The Department of Defence Production also shared an update on its X handle about the show that will take place from February 10-14. In a social media post, the department said that the defence minister will inaugurate the 'India Pavillion' at Aero India 2025 on February 10.
It is India's premier aerospace and defence exhibition where global aero vendors and the Indian Air Force (IAF) thrill the spectators with back-to-back aerobatic flying displays.
A flagship event 'Aero India' brings together global industry leaders, government officials, technology experts, and defence strategists under one roof, officials said.
"The event not only showcases the nation's technological prowess and innovations but also provides a dynamic platform for international cooperation and strategic dialogue," the defence ministry said ahead of Aero India 2025.
The broad theme of this edition is -'The Runway to a Billion Opportunities'. "Aero India stands as a testament to India's unwavering commitment to innovation, strategic collaboration, and excellence in aerospace and defence," the ministry said.
As the nation prepares to host Aero India 2025, the event promises to build on the rich legacy of previous editions, most notably, the transformative Aero India 2023, it said. "Through rigorous operational protocols, strategic partnerships, and a forward-thinking agenda, Aero India 2025 is poised to further elevate India's profile on the global aerospace stage," the ministry said. The United States of America is set to dazzle the audience during the Aero India show with its defence equipment and technology, including F-16, F-35, KC-135 stratotanker, and B-1 bomber, US consular officials said.
As the stage is set for the biannual event here in Bengaluru from February 10 to 14, the US on Sunday said it is proud to take part in it for the fifteenth time. "The United States will showcase a range of advanced aircraft reinforcing the strong and growing defense and aerospace partnership between the United States and India, which share a commitment to promote regional security, stability, economic prosperity through diversified trade, and strategic investment ties," a statement issued by the US Consulate said.
More than two dozen American exhibitors will engage Indian counterparts, explore new business opportunities, and demonstrate innovative solutions in aviation and defence, according to the statement.
