Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said New Delhi is aiming for Rs 1.60 lakh crore defence production in the domestic sector by the end of 2025-26.

"Defence exports, which touched the record figure of Rs 21,000 crore, will surpass Rs 30,000 crore," Singh said.

Singh underlined the crucial role being played by the defence industrial sector in making India an economic super power.

He stated that any breakthrough in the defence sector not only strengthens national security, but also impacts the economy.

 "Technologies developed for defence applications promote innovation in the civil sector as well, leading to employment generation and economic development," he said.

He termed Aero India a significant driver of economic strength, contributing to the overall growth and development of the economy.

He expressed confidence that Aero India will be remembered as a historic milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in the aerospace and defence sector.

Singh will inaugurate the  15th edition of Aero India at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, Karnataka on February 10, 2025.

The 15th Aero India will be held between 10th and 14th February 2025. February 10th to 12th have been reserved as business days, with 13th & 14th set as public days for people to witness the show.

The event comprises Defence Ministers’ Conclave; CEOs Roundtable; inauguration of India & iDEX Pavilions; Manthan iDEX event; Samarthya Indigenisation event; Valedictory function; seminars; breath-taking airshows and an exhibition of aerospace companies.

Defence Ministers’ Conclave

With the aim to strengthen defence cooperation with friendly nations amidst a rapidly-evolving global security landscape, Singh will host the Defence Ministers' Conclave on February 11 in hybrid mode.

The theme this year ‘Building Resilience through International Defence and Global Engagement (BRIDGE)’ underscores the importance of supply chain resilience and strategic collaboration in defence.

The last edition witnessed the participation of 27 Defence Ministers and Deputy Defence Ministers alongside 15 Defence & Service Chiefs and 12 Permanent Secretaries.

This year, the participation has expanded as representatives from more than 80 countries are likely to participate in the conclave.

Approx. 30 Defence Ministers in addition to Defence/Service Chiefs and Permanent Secretaries from friendly nations will attend the event.

The conclave will provide a crucial platform to address key aspects such as Defence capacity building through investment, joint ventures & co-production, Collaboration in R&D, training & technological advancements in AI & space, Maritime security cooperation and strategic partnerships.

CEOs Roundtable

CEOs Roundtable 2025 will be chaired by Raksha Mantri on February 10, on the theme ‘Enabling Defence Cooperation through Global Engagement (EDGE)’. Over 100 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have confirmed their participation in the event. These include 55 from 19 countries (USA, France, Russia, South Korea, UK, Japan, Israel & Brazil etc), 35 Indian (Larsen & Toubro, Bharat Forge Ltd, Adani Defence & Aerospace, Mahindra Defence Systems Ltd, BrahMos Aerospace & Ashok Leyland Defence) and 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs). Shri Rajnath Singh had addressed over 73 CEOs of 28 Foreign OEMs and 45 Indian OEMs in the 2023 edition of the event.

Major foreign OEMs including Airbus (France), Ultra Maritime (USA), GNT (South Korea), John Cockerill Defence (UK), Mitsubishi (Japan), Rafael Advance Defence System (Israel), Safran (France) and Liebherr Aerospace (France) are expected to highlight their future plans, Joint Ventures, collaborations, partnerships with Indian companies for production of spares parts, development of aero-engines, setting up of Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) facilities and establishment of R&D facilities etc.

India Pavilion

The India Pavilion will provide an opportunity to Indian Defence Industries to showcase their design, development, innovation and manufacturing capabilities. It will be inaugurated by Singh on February 10.

The grandeur show at India Pavilion would signify the ‘Flight of Self-Reliance’ which encapsulates India’s journey towards becoming a global aerospace and defence powerhouse.

India Pavilion will be divided into five distinct zones displaying indigenous capabilities in aero aviation, land aviation and naval aviation, def-space and niche technologies domains.  

More than 275 exhibits will be at display through various mediums, represented by complete defence ecosystem of the country which includes DPSUs, design houses, private corporates including MSMEs and start-ups.

The Central Area exhibits will include a striking display of marquee platforms including Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, Combat Air Teaming System, Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter.