Aero India 2025: DK Shivakumar Hails Bengaluru as India's Aerospace Hub

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday reaffirmed Bengaluru's status as India's aerospace capital, highlighting that the city contributes nearly 60% of the country's aerospace manufacturing and defence research.

Speaking at the 15th edition of Aero India 2025, Shivakumar emphasized Karnataka's leadership in aerospace innovation and its role in attracting global partnerships.

"It is an immense privilege to be part of the 15th edition of Aero India 2025, a premier platform showcasing India's strength in aerospace and defence. Karnataka has been at the forefront of this journey, leading innovation and securing global partnerships. Bengaluru is the aerospace capital of India, contributing nearly 60% of aerospace manufacturing and defence research. It is home to world-class institutions such as HAL, ISRO, and Boeing India, driving innovation and development," he said.

Shivakumar further noted that Bengaluru's aerospace sector employs over 1.15 lakh professionals, making it a global leader in innovation and defence technology. He also pointed out that the city ranks among the top three global aerospace hubs, attracting significant foreign investments.

Bengaluru: The Only City with Both Commercial & Defence Airports
Applauding Karnataka's contribution to India's aerospace growth, the Deputy CM stated that Bengaluru is the only city in the world to have both commercial and defence airports operating simultaneously.

"India's aerospace sector is soaring to new heights. Aero India is not just an exhibition-it is a testament to India's rising power in aerospace and defence. The theme of this year's event, 'The Runway to a Billion Opportunities,' perfectly reflects our ambitions in the sector. Bengaluru stands unique as the only city globally to operate both commercial and defence airports from the same location. Indian aerospace is strengthening through international partnerships, with a growing focus on green aviation technologies," he added.

Spectacular Aerial Displays & Key Highlights
The Aero India 2025 air show kicked off with thrilling aerial manoeuvres by the Indian Air Force's Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, captivating onlookers with its high-speed aerobatics.

Additionally, Project Kusha, India's long-range surface-to-air air defence missile system capable of striking aerial targets up to 400 km, was showcased. The missile is being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with private sector firms Solar Industries and Bharat Dynamics Limited.

The event also featured breathtaking performances by LCA Tejas Mark 1A and the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team, with the latter's BAE Hawk Mk 132 jets painting the sky in the colours of the national flag.

Aero India 2025: The Biggest Edition Yet
With the theme 'The Runway to a Billion Opportunities,' Aero India 2025 is set to be the largest edition in the event's history. Covering over 42,000 sq. m, it has attracted more than 900 exhibitors, including 150 foreign companies.

The event, running from February 10 to 14, includes key industry forums such as:

Defence Ministers' Conclave
CEOs Roundtable
India & iDEX Pavilions
Manthan iDEX event
Samarthya Indigenisation event
Seminars and Valedictory function
Aligned with the government's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India, Make for the World' vision, the event aims to accelerate indigenization efforts and foster global collaborations. Aero India serves as a crucial platform to advance India's goal of becoming 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, ensuring a secure and self-reliant aerospace sector.

(With inputs from ANI)