India Eyes Growth in Defence Manufacturing and Exports at Aero India 2025
India is determined to expand its domestic defence manufacturing and boost defence exports in the coming years, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday. His remarks came at the opening of Aero India 2025, the country’s largest air show, where India’s growing military ambitions are in focus.
The world’s biggest arms importer, India has made modernising its military and increasing domestic production a priority to counter China’s growing influence and military strength in South Asia.
Record Growth in Defence Manufacturing and Exports
India’s defence manufacturing value is set to surpass 1.25 trillion rupees ($14.24 billion) in the fiscal year ending March 2025. At the same time, the country’s defence exports will cross a record 210 billion rupees, Singh announced.
“We are fully committed to significantly increasing these numbers in the coming years,” Singh said at the event. Aero India 2025 began with fighter jets flying in formation across Bengaluru’s clear skies, showcasing the nation’s air power and military capabilities.
Joint Production and International Collaboration
New Delhi aims to strengthen defence partnerships by exploring joint production opportunities and signing billion-dollar defence deals at the biennial Aero India event. This year’s exhibition has drawn over 150 foreign companies, with defence ministers and representatives from about 30 countries expected to attend.
Among the highlights are the display of two fifth-generation advanced stealth fighter jets—the Russian Su-57 and Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II.
According to the defence ministry, showcasing these aircraft together reflects India’s growing role as a global defence and aerospace hub. “Aero India 2025 offers a unique side-by-side comparison of Eastern and Western fifth-generation fighter technology,” the ministry noted.
Increasing Ties with Western Defence Partners
Over the last decade, India has expanded its defence partnerships with Western nations to diversify its suppliers. This shift follows disruptions caused by the Ukraine war that affected its traditional supplier, Russia.
The US embassy in India stated that more than two dozen American exhibitors will participate in Aero India 2025, engaging with their Indian counterparts to explore new business opportunities.
As India moves forward with its defence ambitions, events like Aero India play a crucial role in promoting partnerships and reinforcing its position as a growing defence manufacturing hub.
with inputs from Reuters
