Aero India 2025 aims to have technology transfer above Rs 75,000 crore, says Defence Ministry

Asia's biggest aero-show in Bengaluru will witness participation of top defence and aviation firms eyeing a part of the lucrative defence market.

New Delhi: The 15^th edition of Aero India aims to record technology transfers way above Rs 75,000 crore with participation of more than 100 countries, Defence Ministry officials said here on Monday, noting that the upcoming show at Yelahanka will be “bigger in scope and grandeur.”

Asia's biggest aero-show will witness participation of top defence and aviation firms eyeing a part of the lucrative defence market as India retains its top position as the world’s No.1 one arms importer, accounting for nearly 10 per cent of global arms sales.

“The last edition achieved remarkable milestones as it attracted over seven lakh visitors, dignitaries from 98 countries and 809 exhibitors. Over 250 partnerships including 201 MoUs and technology transfers worth more than Rs 75,000 crore, were witnessed. The 2025 edition aims to surpass these achievements,” the official said.

While tensions with China and Pakistan largely drive India’s arms import, there has been a distinct change in vendor selection with New Delhi preferring to do more arms shopping from the western nations rather than relying overwhelmingly on its traditional ally Moscow.

The air show will take place in the backdrop of the Defence Ministry deciding to make the acquisition process simpler and time-sensitive, as demanded by the vendors.

Last week, the ministry released a 9-point reform agenda to improve arms development and buying process besides stressing on hardware procurements after joint assessment of operational needs by the three services.

The reforms also aim to position India as a credible exporter of defence products with New Delhi having a defence export target of Rs 50,000 crore by 2029.

The first three days of the event (February 10-12) will be business days, while 13th and 14th have been set as public days to allow people to witness the show. The event includes both air displays and static exhibitions of a large array of military platforms from the aerospace sector.

The event comprises a curtain raiser event, inaugural event, Defence Ministers’ Conclave, CEOs’ Round-Table, Manthan start-up event, breath-taking air shows, a large exhibition area comprising India Pavilion and a trade fair of aerospace companies.

Aero-India 2025 would take place amidst the Indian Air Force’s struggle with a depleting fighter fleet and three services continuing to use outdated Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. Also there is no clarity on the future of the long-awaited proposal to buy 114 multi-role fighter aircraft.