The entire aerospace and defence industry is gearing up for India’s most significant aviation event, Aero India 2025 from February 10 to 14, 2025, at Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bengaluru, Karnataka. Alongside thrilling aerial displays, Aero India 2025 will feature high-profile events, including the Defence Ministers’ Conclave, CEOs’ Roundtable, iDEX Start-up showcase, and a global trade fair. Aero India 2025 will also host expert seminars on advanced aerospace and defence topics, including UAV warfare, space-based defence, indigenous innovation, and future conflict strategies. SP Guide Publications will have a significant presence at the upcoming Aero India 2025 show in Bengaluru, India from February 10 to 13, 2025. In case you are making it to the show, we look forward to meeting you all at Hall-K, Stall No. KS3.2.

This issue of the magazine features an exclusive interview of Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff who believes that while concentrated efforts to increase the R&D spend are on-going, the private industry would also need to actively invest in this sector. He also touches upon Aero India 2025, stating it as the embodiment of the whole of nation mission required to develop sustainable war-waging capability and operational stamina in the aerospace domain.

Furthering the country’s defence production target of ₹ three lakh crore by 2029, Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary, Department of Defence Production extols that “will continue the policy for defence reforms to boost manufacturing.” In an exclusive interaction with Manish Kumar Jha, Secretary, Department of Defence Production speaks on his roadmap and policies for spurring defence manufacturing in India, for both – public and private sectors.

We are extremely pleased to welcome the views of Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari (Retd) on lessons for Airpower from past and ongoing conflicts around the globe. He emphasises that self-reliance in weapons and critical technologies is a lesson India must prioritise. While no two conflicts are identical, strategic and tactical insights from global military engagements, such as the Ukraine war, can offer valuable lessons in planning, operational support, and force projection. Thoughtful analysis and prudent policy formation will be key to ensuring India’s air power remains future-ready.

Aero India 2025 presents an opportunity for policymakers, DRDO, PSUs, and private industry to come together, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening India’s aerospace capabilities. The air show serves as a critical platform for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to tackle pressing challenges in force readiness. Air Marshal Anil Khosla (Retd) highlights the urgent need to address shortages in fighter aircraft, force multipliers, and key operational assets—gaps that could impact India’s long-term strategic goals. While ‘Make in India’ and increased defence budgets have contributed to progress, bottlenecks persist in procurement and indigenous production. Accelerating the pace of fighter acquisitions and streamlining production of indigenous platforms is essential for sustaining air superiority.

In another article on the Indian Aerospace sector, Air Marshal R.G.K. Kapoor (Retd) point out that the industry is at an inflection point and that Aero India 2025 is a golden opportunity for all stakeholders, from policymakers to DRDO, PSUs and private industry, to come together and showcase their commitment to not only make India Atmanirbhar in Aerospace but also be a reliable and capable exporter of aerospace products.

All this and more in this issue of SP’s Aviation. Welcome aboard and we wish you many happy landings!