Bengaluru, Feb 10 (UNI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday inaugurated the 15th edition of Aero India, Asia's premier aerospace and defence exhibition, at the Yelahanka Air Force Station here.
With the theme 'The Runway to a Billion Opportunities', the five-day event will showcase India's indigenous innovations, including Rafale and Tejas aircraft, alongside state-of-the-art products from leading global aerospace firms, officials said.
In alignment with the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India, Make for the World' vision, Aero India 2025 aims to foster international collaborations to accelerate indigenisation efforts, contributing to the Union Government's resolve of making India a developed nation by 2047, they added.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Chief of Defence Staff, and the tri-service chiefs were among the dignitaries present at the inaugural ceremony.
The event, scheduled from February 10 to 14, designates February 10-12 as business days, while February 13 and 14 will be open to the public.
Aero India 2025 features key segments, including the Defence Ministers' Conclave, CEOs Roundtable, the inauguration of India & iDEX Pavilions, Manthan iDEX event, Samarthya Indigenisation event, valedictory function, thematic seminars, breathtaking airshows, and a grand aerospace exhibition.
Spanning over 42,000 sq m, this edition marks the largest-ever Aero India, with over 900 confirmed exhibitors, including 150 foreign companies.
On Sunday, Rajnath Singh highlighted the participation of more than 90 countries, calling it a testament to India's rising stature in the global aerospace and defence sector.
"Defence ministers or representatives from about 30 countries are attending the event. The presence of Air Chiefs and Secretaries from 43 nations further underscores its significance, not just for India but for the entire international defence community," he said.
Aero India, a biennial event, was first held at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in 1996 and has since evolved into a premier global platform for aerospace and defence collaborations.
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