Key Highlights
- Held from 10‑14 February 2025 at Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bengaluru.
- Theme “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities” underlines India’s ambition to become a major aerospace hub.
- Defence Ministers’ Conclave – “BRIDGE” – seeks resilient, mutually‑beneficial security ties.
- CEOs’ Round‑Table connects Indian defence manufacturers with foreign OEMs for joint production.
- Manthan start‑up forum showcases indigenous defence technologies; public days feature aerial and static displays.
Detailed Insights
The fifth edition of Aero India will convene senior defence policymakers, industry CEOs and innovative start‑ups under a single roof. The “BRIDGE” conclave is designed to nurture strategic alliances with friendly nations, allowing ministers and chief defence staff to negotiate bilateral agreements that promote shared prosperity and collective security. Parallel to the diplomatic agenda, the CEOs’ Round‑Table offers a platform for Indian defence firms to engage directly with global original equipment manufacturers, exploring joint‑venture models, technology transfer mechanisms and localisation targets that could reshape supply chains.
Manthan, the dedicated start‑up segment, foregrounds home‑grown research and development, highlighting projects ranging from unmanned aerial systems to advanced materials for stealth platforms. The two public days (13‑14 February) will open the exhibition to civilians, presenting live flight demonstrations and static showcases of cutting‑edge military hardware, thereby fostering public enthusiasm and awareness of India’s aerospace capabilities.
Key Concepts
- BRIDGE (Building Resilience through International Defence and Global Engagement): A diplomatic framework aimed at creating durable defence partnerships through dialogue and joint initiatives.
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): Companies that design and produce primary defence systems, often seeking localisation partnerships in foreign markets.
- Manthan: The start‑up showcase within Aero India that highlights indigenous innovation, research, and commercialisation in defence technology.
- Public Days: Designated exhibition days when the event is open to the general public, featuring flight shows and static displays.
- Localisation: The process of adapting foreign defence products for domestic production, enhancing self‑reliance and export potential.