It was a big event all right. The biennial Aero India 2025, held at Yelahanka Air Base in Bengaluru was spectacular, uniting the world’s aviation and defence industry under one roof like never before. The 15th edition of the event marked a historic milestone, particularly due to the unprecedented presence of two iconic stealth fighters: the Russian Sukhoi Su-57 and the American Lockheed F-35. For the first time, these state-of-the-art marvels, representing the pinnacle of military capabilities from their respective countries, were seen on the same stage. This rare moment of cooperation amid a backdrop of intense geopolitical rivalries was epitomised by crew members from both sides capturing videos and images of each other’s aircraft — a testament to the awe-inspiring technology and a subtle yet potent message of camaraderie uniquely possible in India.
For defence enthusiasts and the global aviation community, this spectacle reaffirmed its significance as a keystone event in the global aerospace and defence calendar. Beyond the dazzling display of cutting-edge military hardware, Aero India 2025 also underscored a notable shift in India’s burgeoning prominence within these sectors.
India’s Growing Technological Footprint
This year’s exhibition showcased India’s remarkable technological prowess, with Indian companies taking centre stage in nearly every aspect. From stunning displays to business collaborations and MoU signings, Indian firms were front and centre, highlighting the evolution of India’s aerospace and defence ecosystem. The event was a testament to a nation increasingly self-reliant and competitive in the global markets.
For defence enthusiasts and the global aviation community, Aero India 2025 reaffirmed its significance as a keystone event in the aerospace and defence calendar. Beyond the dazzling display of cutting-edge military hardware, the event underscored a notable shift in India’s burgeoning prominence within these sectors
A standout feature was the presence of Indian startups driving innovation across various aspects of aerospace and defence technology. From drone systems to advanced materials and artificial intelligence, these emerging companies underscored India’s burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit. Their participation at Aero India signalled their crucial role in shaping the future of defence technology in the country.
Further cementing India’s position, several indigenous projects were unveiled, showcasing homegrown talent and innovation. Notable among them was the unveiling of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) prototype, India’s ambitious fifth-generation fighter jet project. The AMCA, designed and developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), promises to be a game-changer for the Indian Air Force with its stealth features, advanced avionics and super cruise capabilities. The progress on the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and the indigenous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) programmes also captured the attention of global attendees, emphasising India’s capability to innovate and produce world-class defence equipment.
Road Bumps: A Critical Look at Event Management
While Aero India 2025 was a grand success in scale and content, several issues marred the overall experience for exhibitors and attendees. Venue management left much to be desired, with subpar facilities creating significant discomfort. This is particularly galling because the event has been taking place since 1996, and is backed by the Ministry of Defence, Indian Air Force, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Defence Research and Development Organisation, the Department of Space, Defence Exhibition Organisation and the Civil Aviation Ministry.
A primary concern was the lackluster Wi-Fi and internet connectivity, a major disappointment given the event’s global scale and reliance on seamless communication. Security checks, though necessary, were numerous and time-consuming, further frustrating visitors and exhibitors alike.
Traffic management was another area requiring urgent attention. The congestion around Yelahanka Air Base was almost unbearable, with poorly managed transportation logistics and lack of proper signage leading to long delays. A group of 15 German pilots of the Luftwaffe missed out on attending the opening ceremony on February 10, as they were stuck in Bengaluru traffic. The pilots were staying 17 km away from the venue and got stuck in the traffic for nearly three hours. The city authorities later revealed that special arrangements had been made to facilitate the movement of foreign delegates, including a designated lane to bypass heavy traffic. Unfortunately, the German pilots were unaware of this provision.
Moreover, the food options at the venue were a major letdown, with refreshment kiosks few and far between and the quality of food at the food courts disappointing.
The exhibition halls’ arrangement also left much to be desired. The disjointed layout made navigation confusing and frustrating. For instance, Halls J and K were located at different ends of the venue, with no interconnectivity, forcing visitors to exit one hall and search for the next in a completely different part of the venue. This lack of organisation was a significant setback in an otherwise grand event.
On a positive note, the organisers had ensured there was plenty of free bottled water for everyone, with volunteers handing out as many bottles as you could carry in the blazing sun.
The event showcased India’s tech prowess. From stunning displays to business collaborations and MoU signings, Indian companies were front and centre, highlighting the evolution of India’s aerospace and defence ecosystem. The event was a testament to a nation increasingly self-reliant and competitive in the global markets
Venue Dilemma: Is Yelahanka Still the Right Fit?
As Aero India continues to grow in scale and importance — with over 900 exhibitors participating this year — it’s becoming increasingly clear that Yelahanka Air Base may no longer be the ideal venue. India’s ambition to become a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047 demands a higher standard of event management and infrastructure, and Yelahanka seems to be struggling to keep up with the demands of such a large event.
Given Aero India’s immense scale, a serious discussion about relocating the event to a more modern and accessible venue is warranted. Aligning the event with the development of Bengaluru’s proposed second airport could provide a long-term solution, incorporating better transport infrastructure, connectivity, and efficient layout planning to handle the growing number of exhibitors and attendees.
The international presence at Aero India has grown significantly over the years. Delegations from over 50 countries attended this year’s event, emphasising the need for a venue that can accommodate this level of global participation. With major defence deals and collaborations being inked during the event, the infrastructure must reflect the prestige and scale of these engagements. The proposed new venue should have state-of-the-art conference facilities, ample exhibition space, and enhanced amenities to cater to the needs of international delegates.
A huge plus factor for Bengaluru is its weather, which is better than most Indian cities, not too cold as in Delhi, nor sweltering as in the south.
A Vision for the Future: Professionalism and Planning
India’s flagship exhibitions like Aero India and DefExpo are vital to the nation’s global reputation. These events are more than industry showcases; they are integral to Brand India’s rise as a global power. As India aspires to lead in the aerospace and defence sectors, the management of these events must evolve to match this vision.
Venue management was unsatisfactory with subpar facilities creating significant discomfort, Wi-Fi and internet connectivity were lackluster, food options and quality at the venue were a major letdown, and due to traffic issues, a group of 15 German pilots of the Luftwaffe missed out on attending the opening ceremony on February 10
To enhance the overall experience and elevate India’s brand equity, a more professional approach to handling logistics, security, and venue design is essential. Prioritising seamless attendee experiences, improved connectivity, better food services, and easier navigation between halls is crucial. Additionally, a fixed venue and schedule for events like DefExpo would facilitate better planning for exhibitors and attendees, ensuring maximum participation and benefit.
Moreover, incorporating advanced technologies such as AI-driven visitor management systems, smart parking solutions, and real-time event updates can significantly improve the overall experience. These enhancements would not only streamline operations but also set a new benchmark for future events.
Conclusion: Towards a More Optimised Show
Aero India 2025 was undoubtedly groundbreaking, showcasing India’s growing role in global aerospace and defense. However, the road bumps experienced highlighted the need for a more professional and efficient approach to event management. As India strides towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, it’s crucial that Aero India and DefExpo evolve into world-class exhibitions. This evolution will not only showcase India’s technological prowess but also enhance the global experience for all participants, boosting India’s stature in the global aerospace and defence industry and solidifying its position as a rising global power.
–The writer is a globally cited defence analyst based in New Zealand. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
