Bengaluru: The Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru is all set to host the biennial Aero India show, which will be inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday. The five-day event, themed “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities,” will highlight India’s advancements in aerial capabilities and indigenous defence technology while also featuring cutting-edge products from global aerospace companies.
A key attraction at the inaugural ceremony will be the Tejas Formation, with Air Chief Marshal A P Singh flying one of the aircraft, according to IAF sources. That apart, a ‘Naari Shakti’ formation led by women pilots in Rafale jets will be among the highlights.
F-35, Su-57 participation
A major feature of this year’s show is the participation of two of the world’s most advanced fifth-generation fighter jets—the American F-35 Lightning II and Russia’s Su-57. A government statement described it as a historic moment in global defence cooperation, offering defence experts and aviation enthusiasts a unique opportunity to witness these high-tech warplanes. The F-35 will be on static display on the first day, with a possible flyby later, an IAF official added.
Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru, Rajnath Singh described Aero India as a crucial platform to advance India’s vision of self-reliance in defence. With participation from over 900 exhibitors, including 150 foreign firms, and representation from 90 countries, this is set to be the largest-ever edition of the event. Singh spoke of India’s growing global reputation in aerospace and defence, with 43 nations sending Air Chiefs or other top officials.
Key highlights
The event will feature business discussions from February 10 to 12, followed by public viewing on February 13 and 14. Key highlights include the Defence Ministers’ Conclave, CEOs Roundtable, airshows, exhibitions and seminars. Major defence firms such as Airbus, Mitsubishi, Rafael and Larsen & Toubro will showcase innovations, collaborations and manufacturing partnerships. Singh will also inaugurate The India Pavilion, themed “Flight of Self-Reliance,” along with the iDEX Pavilion and the Manthan-2025 defence innovation forum. With record-breaking defence production and exports, Aero India 2025 is set to strengthen India’s position as a global aerospace hub.
