NEW DELHI: The 15th edition of the Aero India 2025 Defence Exhibition witnessed an unprecedented scale, cementing India’s growing dominance in the global defence sector. With over 900 exhibitors, including leading international firms, the event highlighted India’s increasing focus on indigenization and the private sector’s rising role in domestic defence production.
A major attraction was the face-off between the Russian Su-57 and the US F-35, a symbolic representation of India’s strategic balancing in defence partnerships.
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The exhibition’s record-breaking participation reflects India’s strengthening defence ecosystem, supported by increased budgetary allocations and a strong push for self-reliance. The government’s commitment to domestic defence production is evident from its ambitious target of achieving INR 1.6 trillion in production and INR 300 billion in exports by FY26.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaffirmed this goal, emphasizing India’s transition from a heavy importer to a global arms exporter.
India’s domestic defence production in FY24 stood at approximately INR 1.3 trillion, marking a 174% increase from FY15. The country has made significant progress in exports, reaching INR 210 billion, with growing interest from nations such as France, Armenia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the African Union.
Supply Chain Issues for HAL Likely to End
A major development in the aviation sector was Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HNAL) announcement regarding its Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk 1A. The company anticipates a resolution to supply chain issues surrounding GE-404 engines by March, paving the way for increased production. HNAL targets the delivery of 12 aircraft in FY26, a challenging but achievable milestone.
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Additionally, the company is set to receive inflows of approximately INR 1.7 trillion, with an order book closing at INR 2.6 trillion for FY26. Key orders include 97 LCA Tejas Mk 1A and 156 LCH Prachand helicopters, collectively valued at INR 1.3 trillion.
Emerging Private Players Making Strides
Beyond the well-established public sector undertakings, several private defence firms are making notable advancements:
Sagar Defence Engineering is emerging as a leader in autonomous marine systems, including unmanned marine surface vessels and payload drones for surveillance and rescue operations.
Vem Technologies is contributing significantly to aircraft development, producing central fuselages for the LCA Tejas Mk 1 and advancing work on the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The firm has also developed a fully indigenous anti-tank guided missile.
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SMPP remains a key supplier of ammunition, ballistic body armor, and helmets to India’s armed forces, strengthening the country’s self-sufficiency in essential defence equipment.
Strong Investment Outlook
With the defence sector poised for exponential growth, both public and private firms are set to benefit. In the listed space, government-backed entities such as Hindustan Aeronautics (HNAL), Bharat Electronics (BHE), and Bharat Dynamics (BDL) remain top preferences.
On the private side, leading players such as Zen Technologies (ZEN), Data Patterns (DATAPATT), Azad Engineering (AZAD), Astra Microwave Products (ASTM), and Maini Precision Products (part of Raymond) are gaining momentum.
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The Aero India 2025 Defence Exhibition has reinforced India’s commitment to self-reliance, innovation, and global collaboration in defence technology. With increasing private sector participation, large-scale acquisitions, and groundbreaking research and development initiatives, India’s defence industry is set for a transformative decade. The rise of indigenous capabilities and enhanced global partnerships will further cement the nation’s status as a formidable force in the global defence landscape.
