Aero India 2025 Day 2 Live Updates: Definition of frontline is changing fast today, says defence minister Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said ,"It is my firm belief that the evolving global security scenario, demands innovative approaches and stronger partnerships. India’s engagements on the global stage exemplifies our commitment to fostering security and growth for all...In the Indian Ocean Region, we have embraced the policy of SAGAR, ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’ and are focusing on key areas such as maritime security, economic development and Blue Economy...India believes that international order and peace cannot be ensured from a position of weakness."

"​​And towards this, we have been working very hard, to bring about a transformation in our defence capabilities. We have put in place a very conducive policy regime, which encourages investment and production of an entire range of modern state-of-the-art land, maritime and air systems...The challenges we face from terrorism and cyber-crime to humanitarian crises and climate-induced disasters, transcend borders. They demand a united response. The BRIDGE initiative represents our commitment to transforming dialogue into actionable outcomes, fostering partnerships that are resilient, adaptable and forward-looking," he added.

On renaming HJT-36 trainer aircraft as 'Yashas', DK Sunil, Chairman of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) says, "The HJT-36 was started in 2000. It flew, did a lot of certification tests but unfortunately, there was an incident after which we had to rework the design and the fuselage was extended. The radar was improved and the spin characteristic, which was a problem, has been fixed and we have also improved the cockpit. We have made it a full glass cockpit, it is voice-enabled, you can give commands so it is a modern cockpit and this aircraft has now got a new avatar. So we said let us give it a new name and we held a competition among our engineers. They named it Yashas, ​​so hopefully it will have a very good future. Yes, the Air Force is interested in it, they have asked us to lease some aircraft so we will lease them and they will start using it in various training. It is a very capable aircraft today. It will be a good replacement for the Kiran MK II..."

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "Aero India has many objectives, the first is to showcase not only our industrial capability but also our technological advancements, this shows our commitment towards the security of our nation, however there is an even bigger objective, which is to further strengthen our symbiotic relation with foreign countries. The Aero India has brought together government representatives, industry leaders, air force officers, scientists, defence sector experts, start-ups, academia, and various other stakeholders from across the world."

Starting as a modest air show in 1996, Aero India has grown into Asia’s biggest aerospace event, shaping India’s defence future while solidifying its role as a global leader in aerospace and security.

Spread over 42,000 sq m, the event will feature 275+ exhibits in the India Pavilion, displaying capabilities in aero, land, and naval defence, along with advancements in space and niche technologies.

Over 900 exhibitors, including 150 foreign companies, are participating, making this the biggest-ever Aero India edition. Representatives from over 90 countries, including 30 Defence Ministers and 43 Air Chiefs, are attending.

The event includes the Defence Ministers’ Conclave, CEOs Roundtable, airshows, aerospace exhibitions, and the inauguration of India & iDEX Pavilions.

The five-day event will be held from February 10 to 14, 2025, with business days from February 10 to 12, followed by public days on February 13 and 14.

With the theme 'The Runway to a Billion Opportunities', the event highlights India's aerial prowess and promotes Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, Make for the World.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the 15th edition of Aero India at Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bengaluru, on February 10, 2025.