Bengaluru, India – The 14th edition of Asia’s largest aero show, Aero India 2023, has officially started in Bengaluru. Spanning over five days, the event aims to showcase India’s growth in aerospace and defense capabilities and the rise of a strong and self-reliant New India.
With the theme “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities”, the focus of Aero India 2023 is to display indigenous equipment and technologies, as well as to forge partnerships with foreign companies. This aligns with the country’s “Make in India, Make for the World” vision for a secure and prosperous future.
Around 250 business-to-business agreements are expected to be firmed up during the event, which is estimated to unlock investment worth approximately Rs 75,000 crore. The event, organized at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, is the largest Aero India show to date, with a total area of around 35,000 sqm. It is expected to witness the participation of 98 countries, with 32 Defence Ministers, 29 Air Chiefs, and 73 CEOs of global and Indian OEMs in attendance.
A number of high-profile exhibitors, including Airbus, Boeing, Dassault Aviation, and Lockheed Martin, will be showcasing their latest technologies and advancements in the aerospace and defense sectors. The event also aims to promote the export of indigenous air platforms, such as the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, HTT-40, Dornier Light Utility Helicopter, Light Combat Helicopter, and Advanced Light Helicopter.
A full-scale LCA-Tejas aircraft in Full Operational Capability configuration will be at the center stage of the India Pavilion, highlighting the country’s design leadership and growth in the aerospace sector.
During the event, companies like Airbus and Thales are expected to meet with prospective candidates and generate a shortlist of candidates at the end of the expo. There will also be a section dedicated to defense space, new technologies, and UAVs, giving attendees an insight into India’s growth in each sector.
In his opening speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of Aero India 2023 and the capability of the New India. He stated, “The sky of Bengaluru is becoming a witness to the capability of New India. Bengaluru's sky is giving a testimony that the new height is the truth of New India. Today, the nation is touching new heights and even crossing it.”
The Aero India 2023 is poised to be a landmark event in the aerospace and defense industry, providing a platform for global players to connect and forge partnerships with their Indian counterparts.