Defence Production Set to Exceed Rs. 1.6 Lakh Crore, defence exports to surpass Rs. 30,000 crore by 2025-26-Rajnath Singh

By R Anil Kumar

• Domestic defence production, which recently crossed Rs. 1.27 lakh crore, will exceed Rs. 1.6 lakh crore by 2025-26. The defence exports to surpass Rs. 30,000 crore, during the same period, building on last year’s record of Rs. 21,000 crore: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Bengaluru. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to inaugurate the 15th edition of Aero India, Asia’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition, at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru. The five-day event, running from February 10-14, promises to showcase India’s growing capabilities in aerospace and defence technology alongside cutting-edge innovations from global aerospace giants.

With the theme “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities,” Aero India 2025 aims to highlight India’s vision of self-reliance under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. According to the Defence Ministry, the event will foster international collaborations to accelerate indigenization and boost India’s aspiration to become a developed nation by 2047.

Addressing the media ahead of the event, Rajnath Singh hailed Aero India as a critical platform for advancing India’s defence capabilities and strengthening its global partnerships.

“Aero India is not just an exhibition; it symbolizes the strength, resilience, and self-reliance of New India,” Singh said. “It plays a vital role in showcasing our defence preparedness and forging global collaborations, inspiring our youth, and fostering a spirit of innovation.”

Focus on Indigenous Defence Manufacturing

Defence Minister highlighted significant strides in India’s defence sector, noting that the country has transitioned from an importer to a designer, developer, and manufacturer of advanced defence platforms.

Key achievements include the production of platforms like the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, and C-295 Transport Aircraft. Singh also reaffirmed India’s commitment to developing fifth-generation fighter aircraft domestically.

“From Agni and Astra missile systems to the cutting-edge Hypersonic and Akash air defence systems, India has built numerous success stories that have bolstered our defence sector and enhanced national security,” he said.

Singh expressed confidence that domestic defence production, which recently crossed Rs. 1.27 lakh crore, will exceed Rs. 1.6 lakh crore by 2025-26. He also projected defence exports to surpass Rs. 30,000 crore, building on last year’s record of Rs. 21,000 crore.

Defence Ministers’ Conclave

This year’s Aero India promises to be the largest ever, with participation from over 900 exhibitors, including 150 foreign companies. Representatives from more than 90 countries will attend, including 30 Defence Ministers and 43 Air Chiefs. Singh described the overwhelming participation as a testament to the growing confidence in India’s aerospace and defence capabilities.

“The presence of global defence leaders highlights Aero India’s significance not only for India but also for the international defence community,” Singh said.

The event will feature a Defence Ministers’ Conclave on February 11, themed “Building Resilience through International Defence and Global Engagement (BRIDGE).” The conclave will focus on strategic collaboration, supply chain resilience, and joint ventures in defence manufacturing.

Bilateral meetings at the Defence Ministerial level, alongside discussions with Service Chiefs and Defence Secretaries, will explore avenues for cooperation in research and development, maritime security, AI, and space technologies.

“Aero India 2025 will be remembered as a historic milestone in India’s journey to becoming a global leader in aerospace and defence,” Singh stated.

CEOs Roundtable

The CEOs Roundtable 2025, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, will take place on February 10 under the theme ‘Enabling Defence Cooperation through Global Engagement (EDGE)’. The high-profile event is set to bring together over 100 CEOs from leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), underscoring the growing importance of collaboration in the global defence ecosystem.

This year’s roundtable will feature participation from 55 OEMs representing 19 countries, including the United States, France, Russia, South Korea, the UK, Japan, Israel, and Brazil. Notable Indian representation will come from 35 companies, including Larsen & Toubro, Bharat Forge Ltd, Adani Defence & Aerospace, Mahindra Defence Systems Ltd, BrahMos Aerospace, and Ashok Leyland Defence. Additionally, 16 DPSUs will participate, further enhancing the scope for public-private partnerships.

Prominent foreign OEMs, including Airbus (France), Ultra Maritime (USA), GNT (South Korea), John Cockerill Defence (UK), Mitsubishi (Japan), Rafael Advanced Defence Systems (Israel), Safran (France), and Liebherr Aerospace (France), are expected to present their strategic visions and initiatives.

During the 2023 edition, Defence Minister Singh addressed over 73 CEOs, including representatives from 28 foreign OEMs and 45 Indian OEMs. This year’s expanded participation highlights the event’s growing significance as a forum for fostering international partnerships and advancing India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.

With its growing focus on indigenization, innovation, and international partnerships, Aero India is poised to reinforce India’s position as a key player in the global defence ecosystem while fuelling economic growth and technological advancements.