New Delhi, Feb 9 (PTI) The 15th edition of 'Aero India', billed as Asia's largest air show, is all set to be inaugurated in Bengaluru on February 10 by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who on Sunday said this is a platform that showcases the "strength, resilience and self-reliance" of a new India.

Organised in a total area of over 42,000 sq m and with the confirmed participation of over 900 exhibitors, including 150 foreign companies, the event is set to be the biggest-ever 'Aero India' till date.

Singh, who reached Bengaluru on Sunday, termed the participation of more than 90 countries as a "testament to the growing global confidence" in India's aerospace and defence capabilities, the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

The Union minister expressed confidence that defence production, having crossed the record figure of Rs 1.27 lakh crore, will exceed Rs 1.60 lakh crore by the end of 2025-26.

Defence exports, which touched the record figure of Rs 21,000 crore, will surpass Rs 30,000 crore, he was quoted as saying in the statement.

'Aero India' is a biennial air show and aviation exhibition, which is held in Bengaluru, organised by the Defence Exhibition Organisation, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence.

It is India's premier aerospace and defence exhibition where global aero vendors and the Indian Air Force (IAF) thrill the spectators with back-to-back aerobatic flying displays.

The minister termed 'Aero India' a significant driver of economic strength, contributing to the overall growth and development of the economy. He expressed confidence that 'Aero India' will be remembered as a "historic milestone in India's journey" towards becoming a global leader in the aerospace and defence sector.

Earlier in the day, Singh in a post on X said he will be attending the 15th edition of 'Aero India' in Bengaluru that will showcase cutting-edge defence technologies and global aviation excellence, and that he was looking forward to witness the future of aerospace sector.

The Asia's largest air show is hosted at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, in the southern city.

In a first, the 'Aero India' mega event will witness participation of two of the world's most advanced fifth-generation fighter aircraft --- the Russian Su-57 and the American F-35 Lightning II, the statement said.

Later, Singh told reporters in Bengaluru that 'Aero India' is a crucial platform, which will drive forward the government's vision of a "strong, capable India, secure and self-reliant India", the ministry said in the statement here.

The broad theme of this edition is -- 'The Runway to a Billion Opportunities'.

"Aero India is a platform that showcases the strength, resilience, and self-reliance of new India. It is not just crucial for India's defence preparedness, but it also plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our nation," Singh said.

It will demonstrate India's defence capabilities and forge global partnerships, he said.

Defence ministers or representatives from "about 30 countries" have come to participate in this event.

The presence of air chiefs and secretaries from 43 countries further highlights the significance of this event - not just for India, but for the entire international defence community, Singh underlined.

"Our goal is to enhance collaboration in areas of common interest with our friendly nations, fostering deeper cooperation and shared progress. The event is not just a showcase of technology and innovation, but will also serve as a source of inspiration for our youth, fostering scientific temperament and a spirit of innovation," he said.

The Department of Defence Production also shared an update on its X handle about the show that will take place from February 10-14.

In a post on X on Sunday, the department said that the defence minister will also inaugurate the 'India Pavillion' at Aero India 2025 on February 10.

On the eve of the inauguration of the mega event, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh and Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi on Sunday flew a sortie together in a Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas from the Air Force Station, Yelahanka.

A flagship event 'Aero India' brings together global industry leaders, government officials, technology experts and defence strategists under one roof, officials said.

"Aero India stands as a testament to India's unwavering commitment to innovation, strategic collaboration, and excellence in aerospace and defence," the ministry said ahead of the mega event.

The event promises to build on the rich legacy of previous editions, most notably, the Aero India 2023.

"Through rigorous operational protocols, strategic partnerships, and a forward-thinking agenda, Aero India 2025 is poised to further elevate India's profile on the global aerospace stage," the ministry said.

Highlighting the transformation of the defence and aerospace sector in the recent years, Singh asserted that, today, India is not only capable of designing and developing major platforms and equipment within India, it has also "successfully established" a vast supply chain within the country.

"Advanced platforms like Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter Prachand and C295 transport aircraft are now being produced in India. We have also taken a firm resolve to manufacture fifth-generation fighter aircraft within the country. From the advanced variants of the Agni missile, the Astra missile system, and the Pinaka missile system to the cutting-edge hypersonic missile system and the Akash air defence system, we have built numerous success stories," he said.

"These achievements have played a crucial role in strengthening our defence sector, making India more self-reliant and secure," the Union minister said.

Singh added that post corporatisation of Ordnance Factory Board, the newly formed companies have started performing "exceptionally well" in defence production.

"Under a well-considered and well-developed plan, we have actively worked to empower the private sector in the defence and aerospace industries. Today, India has a thriving private defence industry that has firmly established itself and is making significant contributions to our national security," he said.

Singh underlined the crucial role being played by the defence industrial sector in making India an economic super power. He stated that any breakthrough in the defence sector not only strengthens national security, but also impacts the economy.

Technologies developed for defence applications promote innovation in the civil sector as well, leading to employment generation and economic development, he said.

February 10 to February 12 have been reserved as business days at the five-day mega event, while February 13 and February 14 are set as public days for people to witness the show.

The event comprises a Defence Ministers' Conclave; CEOs Roundtable; inauguration of India and iDEX pavillions; Manthan iDEX event; Samarthya indigenisation event; seminars, breath-taking airshows and an exhibition featuring many aerospace companies. PTI KND AS AS