Aero India 2025, India’s premier aerospace and defense exhibition, is going on at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru from February 10 to 14, 2025. This biennial event is a key platform for global aerospace giants, defense manufacturers, and aviation enthusiasts to witness cutting-edge advancements in military and civil aviation.

Highlights of Aero India 2025

This year’s edition promises to be one of the most spectacular ever, featuring a dynamic combination of fighter aircraft displays, defense technology exhibitions, and strategic industry discussions. The Indian Air Force (IAF), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and global aerospace leaders are expected to participate, showcasing the latest aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and next-generation technologies.

Aircraft Showcased

Aero India 2025 will see participation from a wide range of fighter aircraft, both indigenous and international, demonstrating their combat capabilities through thrilling aerial maneuvers. Here’s a look at some of the most anticipated aircraft:

I. Indian Aircraft

A. Indian Fighter Jets

• LCA Mk-1A
  • Indigenous multirole lightweight fighter.
  • Equipped with AESA radar and ASTRA BVR missiles.
• LCA Navy
  • Naval variant of the Light Combat Aircraft.
  • Designed for aircraft carrier operations.
• SU-30 MKI
  • Multirole air superiority fighter.
  • Equipped with advanced avionics and powerful thrust-vectoring engines.
• MiG-29K
  • Carrier-based multirole fighter for the Indian Navy.
  • Optimized for air superiority and ground attack missions.
• Jaguar Darin III
  • Ground attack and deep penetration strike aircraft.
  • Capable of carrying precision-guided munitions.
• Rafale
  • Advanced multirole fighter acquired from France.
  • Features stealth technology, AESA radar, and nuclear-strike capability.
• Mirage-2000
  • Multirole fighter known for precision strike capabilities.
  • Played a crucial role in the Balakot airstrikes.

B. Helicopters

• LUH (Light Utility Helicopter)
  • Designed for high-altitude operations and transport.
  • Replaces aging Cheetah and Chetak helicopters.
• LCH Prachand
  • India’s first indigenous light combat helicopter.
  • Equipped with anti-tank guided missiles and air-to-air missiles.
• HAL Rudra
  • Armed variant of the ALH Dhruv.
  • Used for close air support and anti-armor roles.
• Mi-17
  • Medium-lift helicopter for troop transport and rescue operations.
  • Equipped with indigenous electronic warfare (EW) suites.
• Surya Kiran (Aerobatic Team)
  • Performs aerial acrobatics and formations in national and international air shows.
  • Uses Hawk Mk-132 aircraft for displays.

C. Training Aircraft

• HTT-40
  • Indigenous basic trainer aircraft.
  • Features digital avionics and ejection seats.
• IJT (HJT-36 Sitara)
  • Intermediate jet trainer with indigenous avionics.
  • Used for training IAF pilots before moving to supersonic jets.
• Hawk Mk-132
  • Advanced jet trainer acquired from the UK.
  • Used for transitioning pilots to frontline fighter aircraft.
• Hansa-NG
  • Two-seater light aircraft for primary pilot training.
  • Features modern glass cockpit avionics.
• Hansa-3 (NG)
  • Improved version of Hansa aircraft.
  • Used for pilot training and surveillance.

D. Transport Aircraft

• AN-32
  • Medium tactical transport aircraft.
  • Used for personnel and cargo transport in high-altitude regions.
• C-130J Super Hercules
  • Tactical airlift aircraft.
  • Used for special operations and disaster relief missions.
• C-295
  • Medium transport aircraft.
  • Part of India’s fleet modernization program.
• Do-228
  • Light transport aircraft used for maritime surveillance and logistics.
  • Operated by the Indian Air Force and Coast Guard.
• P-8I
  • Maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft.
  • Used by the Indian Navy for reconnaissance and surveillance.
• EMBRAER-AEW&C (Netra)
  • Airborne early warning and control aircraft.
  • Enhances situational awareness and battle management.

II. International Aircrafts at “AERO INDIA 2025”

Top Drone Innovations Unveiled at Aero India 2025

1. ArgoMax 20KHC by Scandron: Bengaluru-based startup Scandron unveiled the CargoMax 20KHC, touted as India’s most powerful cargo drone to date, capable of carrying payloads up to 200 kg.
2. HAL Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited showcased the CATS Warrior, a low-observable unmanned combat aerial vehicle designed to operate alongside manned fighter jets, enhancing mission capabilities through manned-unmanned teaming.
3. Archer-NG by DRDO: The Defence Research and Development Organisation presented the Archer-NG, a weaponized medium-altitude long-endurance UAV designed for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance missions, with a payload capacity of 300 kg and the ability to carry precision-guided munitions.
4. Counter-Drone System by Adani Defence and Aerospace: In collaboration with DRDO, Adani Defence unveiled a counter-drone system equipped with a high-energy laser, advanced radar, electro-optical sensors, and jammers, capable of neutralizing threats within a 10-km range.
5. New UAVs by ideaForge: ideaForge introduced four new UAVs: NETRA 5, SWITCH V2, a Tactical UAV concept, and a Logistics UAV concept, designed to address operational challenges in defense, surveillance, and logistics applications.

Defense Industry Participation and Business Opportunities

Aero India is not just about aerial displays; it is also a major platform for defense agreements, technology transfers, and industry collaborations.

• India-Russia Defense Ties: Expect discussions on further joint production of Sukhoi Su-30MKI and AK-203 assault rifles.
• Make in India Initiative: The exhibition will boost domestic defense manufacturing, aligning with India’s vision of self-reliance.
• International Partnerships: Companies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Dassault Aviation, and Airbus are expected to announce collaborations with Indian firms.

You may also like: HAL Moves Forward to Finalize GE-F414 Engine Deal by March 2025, strengthening India’s fighter jet capabilities.

Spectacular Air Shows and Aerobatics

One of the biggest attractions of Aero India is the air show, where some of the world’s best aerobatic teams perform gravity-defying stunts.

• Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT): The Indian Air Force’s elite display team will perform breathtaking formations.
• Sarang Helicopter Display Team: Showcasing India’s indigenous HAL Dhruv helicopters in a synchronized aerial ballet.
• International Aerobatic Teams: Expected participation from the Red Arrows (UK) and Russian Knights (Russia).

India’s Growing Aerospace Power

Aero India 2025 is set to reinforce India’s position as a global aerospace hub. With a strong push for indigenous defense manufacturing, technological advancements, and strategic global partnerships, this event will shape the future of India’s air power.