The defence ministry of India issued a statement on Monday (January 6) announcing the what’s what of Aero India 2025 – Asia’s largest biennial aerospace event. This is the 15th edition of Aero India and like always will be held in Bengaluru’s Yelhanka Air Force station. Here is all you need to know about the event.
Aero India Date and Time: February 10-14, 2025 (Monday – Friday); 9.00 AM – 6.00 PM IST
Aero India Venue: Yelhanka Air Force Station, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Theme for this year: The Runway to a Billion Opportunities
Categorisation: The first three days of the event will be business days where delegates and business owners will be attending and the last two days will be open to the general public.
Aero India Tickets Prices (including GST):
1. Business Pass – Rs. 5,000 (Indians) or $150 (other nationalities) – you will be allowed to visit in the first three days, which is generally the least crowded.
2. General Pass – Rs. 2,500 (Indians) or $50 (other nationalities) – you can visit on the last two days which are open for the general public, which usually witnesses peak crowds. With this ticket, you can watch the aerobatic display, as well as, exhibitions.
3. ADVA Pass – Rs. 1,000 (Indians) or $50 (other nationalities) – you will only be allowed to attend the air display visual area (ADVA) to witness the aerobatic display; entry to exhibitions will be restricted.
Background:
Aero India, India’s premier aerospace and defence exhibition, has been a pivotal platform since its inception in 1996. Held biennially, the event showcases the latest advancements in aviation, defence technology, and aerospace innovation. Organized by the Ministry of Defence, Aero India attracts global aerospace leaders, defence officials, and industry stakeholders. It serves as a hub for fostering international collaborations, promoting indigenous manufacturing under the Make-in-India initiative, and driving technology transfers. Known for its spectacular aerial displays and live demonstrations, Aero India has evolved into a symbol of India’s growing prominence in the global aerospace and defence sectors.
Why Aero India Matters:
Aero India goes beyond being an exhibition; it is a stage for collaboration, innovation, and strategic dialogue. The event features breathtaking aerial displays by advanced fighter jets, helicopters, and unmanned aerial systems, demonstrating technological prowess. Beyond the displays, it serves as a meeting ground for stakeholders to discuss trends such as artificial intelligence in defense, green aviation technologies, and the evolving role of unmanned systems.
For India, Aero India is also a showcase of its indigenous defence capabilities under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative. It highlights the achievements of organizations like HAL, DRDO, and private sector players who are contributing to building a robust defense manufacturing ecosystem.
What to Expect at Aero India 2025:
Aero India 2025 is set to strengthen India’s defence and aerospace ecosystem, emphasizing indigenization, technology transfers, and global partnerships, with expected agreements surpassing Rs 75,000 crore. The event will host numerous bilateral meetings involving Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, CDS General Anil Chauhan, and other high-ranking officials, aimed at deepening ties with partner nations.
“The event will provide a platform for forging partnerships between foreign and Indian firms and the discovery of newer avenues in the global value chain to accelerate the indigenisation process,” the statement from the Defence Ministry of India mentioned.
The Defence Ministers’ Conclave, themed BRIDGE – Building Resilience through International Defence and Global Engagement, will spotlight global security and economic collaboration. Key attractions include the CEOs’ Round Table for exploring manufacturing opportunities, the Manthan start-up event showcasing iDEX innovations, and the India Pavilion featuring cutting-edge indigenous technologies.
Spectacular aerial displays by fighter jets, helicopters, and UAVs, live demonstrations, and insightful seminars will provide an immersive experience.
Aero India 2023:
The 2023 edition of Aero India witnessed participation from over 100 countries, featuring around 809 exhibitors and drawing over 700,000 visitors. The event resulted in 250+ MoUs and partnerships, collectively valued at over ₹75,000 crore. Additionally, ₹200 crore was committed during the launch of the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) Investor Hub.
