Bengaluru, February 10, (Karnataka News):
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that Aero India – 2025 is a testament to the unveiling of industrial and technology-based innovations.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 15th edition of Aero India-2025 at the Yelahanka Air Force Station today, he said that the motto of this year’s Aero India is ‘The Runway to a Billion Opportunities’. We need to move forward towards realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of Developed India-2047. He said that the defense sector should be brought to the forefront in research, development and production related matters.
Around 452 Indian and 52 foreign exhibitors participated in this grand event. Leaders, lecturers, investors, officials, entrepreneurs and many others from the defence sector participated on the same platform. The technological innovations we have made in the last 10 years have borne fruit. Defence development will reach Rs 1.27 lakh crore by 2026 from Rs 1.60 lakh crore, he said, adding that exports from the defence sector will reach Rs 21,000 to Rs 30,000 crore, creating a new record.
This Aero India 2025 will also be India’s economic development, helping the country become a global leader in the world. This time, more than 80 countries will participate in seminars and conferences. And 600 startups, MSMEs, etc. have joined this. In the current budget, the Ministry of Defense has received a grant of 6.81 lakh crore, of which 1.80 lakh crore will be used for capital acquisition. Apart from this, 75% will be used for domestic sources through procurement. And in this, private participation has also been encouraged, he said.
Known as the Silicon Valley, Bengaluru has ample opportunities for investment, industry, and startups. It is a matter of pride that representatives from other countries are participating in this. This event being held in Bengaluru looks like an ‘Aerial Mahakumbh Mela’, and he wished that more people participate and make it a success.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said that Bengaluru has the best talent in the aerospace industry. He appealed to the Defence Minister to encourage the aerospace industry to be established in Karnataka and to encourage more and more aircraft and helicopter manufacturers to focus on Bengaluru.
Karnataka is a state at the forefront of technological and industrial progress in India. We have a skilled workforce with world-class research institutes, state-of-the-art aerospace companies. Our state has witnessed tremendous growth in key economic sectors including GDP, industrial growth and investment inflows. Our government is committed to developing an industrial policy with a vision of a future that encourages research, infrastructure development and entrepreneurship, he said.
The Bangalore Air Show is a major event that highlights India’s progress in both civil and military aviation. It is not just a show. It is a testament to India’s growing capabilities in the aerospace and defense sectors. It is also a platform to foster international partnerships, he said.
Our state has set up an aerospace park near Devanahalli, with an area of 1,000 acres reserved for aerospace companies. Bengaluru is the best city to take the aerospace industry to the international level. Bengaluru is the right place to showcase many brands and the best technologies, he said.
It is an ideal place to sign business deals and test the best products of the companies. Bangalore is the aerospace capital of India. Our state contributes more than 60 percent of the country’s aerospace production and defense research, he said.
“Major organizations like HAL, ISRO and Boeing India are contributing a lot to India’s defence and space capabilities. More than 1,50,000 people work in Bengaluru’s aerospace sector, making the city a world-renowned player in aviation and defence technology,” he said.
Bengaluru has ranked third among global aerospace cities in attracting foreign investments. He said that the Karnataka government is developing aerospace and defense centers in Bengaluru, Belgaum, Mysore, Tumkur and Chamarajanagar.
He said that Bengaluru is emerging as a hub for drone technology and unmanned aerial vehicles, which are revolutionizing the commercial and defense sectors.
There are 21 engineering colleges in the capital. We stand at the top compared to any other city in the world. The unique environment of Bengaluru is attracting the best talent from across India and the world, he said.
Karnataka has played a crucial role in India’s aerospace sector many times, contributing 67% of the country’s aircraft and helicopter production for defense services and 65% of India’s aerospace-related exports, he said.
India is ahead in the field of aircraft servicing and aircraft repair. But manufacturing of aircraft and helicopters is still lagging behind. Most of the aircraft and helicopters used by the country are still purchased from other countries, he said.
Bengaluru is the only city in the world where both commercial and defence airports are operational. Women are contributing a lot to this sector. India’s aerospace industry is growing through partnerships with countries like the US, France and Russia, he said.
“This air show is strengthening our position in the global market. This exhibition provides a great opportunity for countries to come together, share knowledge and create an environment that benefits everyone,” he said.
This event is a symbol of India’s strength, progress and leadership in space. Space and defence investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders should choose Karnataka first. May the 2025 Air Show be a successful and inspiring experience for all, he wished.
Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chavan, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief Secretary to the Government Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, Union Defence Secretary Rakesh Kumar Singh and other dignitaries were present at the event. Several aircraft flew in the clear blue sky, attracting the attention of the crowd.
