Aero India 2021: Asia’s Biggest Air Show Takes Off in Bengaluru

Aero India 2021 kicks off in Bengaluru, showcasing India’s defence tech, global partnerships & DRDO innovations in a hybrid format.

Bengaluru, February 3, 2021 — The 13th edition of Aero India, Asia’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition, officially launched today at Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Organized by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the three-day mega event is being held in a hybrid format for the first time, combining both physical and virtual participation due to ongoing COVID-19 precautions.

What is Aero India?

Aero India serves as a global platform for aerospace enthusiasts, start-ups, defence manufacturers, and international stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and showcase cutting-edge advancements in aviation and military technology. Held biennially, this flagship event provides a unique opportunity to witness the evolution of indigenous defence systems and engage in strategic partnerships.

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Inauguration and Key Highlights

The air show was inaugurated by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who also unveiled several important documents including:

• The DRDO Export Compendium
• The DDPMAS (Design, Development, and Production of Military Aircraft and Airborne Stores) procedure
• New policy frameworks aimed at boosting India’s defence exports and innovation

DRDO’s Major Attractions

During the event, DRDO is showcasing its latest technological breakthroughs, with major highlights including:

• Flying displays of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas
• Demonstrations of the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system
• Showcasing of the LCA Navy variant
• Additionally, over 30 DRDO laboratories specializing in aeronautical development are exhibiting their latest innovations.

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COVID-19 Safety Measures

In light of the pandemic, strict health protocols have been implemented:

• Mandatory RT-PCR negative reports for all attendees
• Limited public access, with a cap of 15,000 visitors daily in the exhibition zone and 3,000 in the flying display area
• Digital brochures and QR code-based downloads to ensure contactless information sharing

What to Expect at Aero India 2021

The 13th edition of Aero India is a testament to India’s defence manufacturing capabilities and commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). Key events include:

• Over 200 MoUs (Memorandums of Understanding) expected to be signed between defence manufacturers and procurement agencies
• A high-level Defence Ministers’ Conclave featuring representatives from 27 Indian Ocean Region (IOR) nations discussing disaster management and strategic cooperation
• A Chiefs of Air Staff Conclave with participation from allied countries, focusing on the future of air warfare and emerging technologies
• More than 300 defence technologies, systems, and innovations on display, including 30 never-before-seen models

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India’s Growing Aerospace Potential

In a tweet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Aero India as an “excellent platform for collaboration in defence and aerospace.” He emphasized that India offers immense opportunities in these sectors and noted the government’s reforms aimed at encouraging innovation and foreign investment.

A Push Towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat

With its robust R&D ecosystem, DRDO is playing a critical role in supporting India’s vision of self-reliance in defence. The organization is actively fostering collaborations with private players, startups, and global stakeholders to strengthen domestic production and exports.

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Why Aero India Matters

For Bengaluru and India at large, Aero India 2021 is not just a show — it’s a strategic move towards establishing India as a global defence and aerospace hub. The event not only promotes technological innovation but also boosts international partnerships, defence diplomacy, and economic growth in the region.

Key Takeaways:

1. Event Name: Aero India 2021 (13th Edition)
2. Location: Air Force Station Yelahanka, Bengaluru
3. Organizer: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
4. Format: Hybrid (Physical + Virtual)
5. Dates: February 3–5, 2021
6. Focus Areas: Indigenous defence technologies, international collaboration, aerospace innovation