Bengaluru: Rajnath Singh To Inaugurate Aero India Show Today, Calls It A Platform For 'Strength, Self-Reliance'

Bangalore: The 15th edition of 'Aero India', touted as Asia's largest air show, is set to kick off in Bengaluru on February 10, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurating the event. Singh emphasised that Aero India serves as a platform to showcase the ''strength, resilience, and self-reliance'' of a new India.

Spanning over 42,000 sq m and featuring more than 900 exhibitors, including 150 foreign companies, this edition is set to be the biggest 'Aero India' ever.

Mr. Singh, who reached Bengaluru on Sunday, termed the participation of more than 90 countries as a "testament to the growing global confidence" in India's aerospace and defence capabilities.

'Aero India' is a biennial air show and aviation exhibition, which is held in Bengaluru, organised by the Defence Exhibition Organisation, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence.

'Aero India' is India’s premier aerospace and defence exhibition, bringing together global aerospace vendors and the Indian Air Force (IAF) for thrilling back-to-back aerobatic displays that captivate spectators.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh posted on X, announcing his participation in the 15th edition of 'Aero India' in Bengaluru. He highlighted that the event will showcase cutting-edge defence technologies and global aviation excellence, expressing his excitement to witness the future of the aerospace sector.

Asia's largest air show is hosted at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, in the southern city.

Later, Mr. Singh told reporters in Bengaluru that 'Aero India' is a crucial platform, which will drive forward the government's vision of a "strong, capable India, secure and self-reliant India", the Defence Ministry said in a statement here.

The broad theme of this edition is -- 'The Runway to a Billion Opportunities'.

"Aero India is a platform that showcases the strength, resilience, and self-reliance of new India. It is not just crucial for India's defence preparedness, but it also plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our nation," Mr Singh said.

Defence ministers or representatives from around 30 countries have gathered to participate in the event, underscoring its global importance. Additionally, the presence of air chiefs and secretaries from 43 nations further highlights Aero India’s significance, not just for India, but for the entire international defence community, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised.

"Our goal is to enhance collaboration in areas of common interest with our friendly nations, fostering deeper cooperation and shared progress. The event is not just a showcase of technology and innovation, but will also serve as a source of inspiration for our youth, fostering scientific temperament and a spirit of innovation," he said. In a post on X on Sunday, the department said that the defence minister will also inaugurate the 'India Pavillion' at Aero India 2025 on February 10.

(With PTI inputs)

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