The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is showcasing cutting-edge technologies and innovations at the 15th edition of Aero India, taking place from February 10-14 at Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bengaluru.
The event, which aims to integrate stakeholders of India’s defence R&D ecosystem, features a wide range of DRDO-developed systems, including working models, full-scale prototypes, and interactive displays across various formats such as indoor pavilions, outdoor exhibits, and flying demonstrations.
One of the major highlights of DRDO’s participation is the display of the full-scale model of India’s first 5.5 Generation stealth aircraft, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Positioned at the India Pavilion, this exhibit underscores India’s commitment to its Make-in-India initiative and showcases the nation’s defence manufacturing capabilities. Alongside the AMCA, visitors can explore 16 other indigenous DRDO products, including the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF), LCA Mk-2 Model, Air Droppable Container (ADC) 150, Advanced Lightweight Torpedo, Kaveri Derivative Aero Engine, and various advanced missiles.
The DRDO indoor pavilion, located at Hall-D, is segmented into nine themes, each covering core areas of defence innovation. These themes include “Airborne Surveillance Solutions,” “Next-Generation Missile Systems,” “Unmanned Aerial Systems,” and “RadarScape: Mapping the Invisible,” among others.
The pavilion showcases over 330 products organized into 14 technology zones, providing a detailed exploration of critical defence sectors like advanced materials, surveillance technologies, missile systems, electronic warfare, and aero propulsion.
Also, the outdoor segment of DRDO’s pavilion highlights real-world applications of defence technologies, including full-scale models of the QRSAM Mobile Launcher Vehicle, Akash NG Launcher, and the Archer UAV (Rustom-1). One of the key attractions is the demonstration of the upgraded Dornier aircraft, which now features enhanced avionics, radar systems, fuel efficiency, and electronic warfare capabilities, showcasing its enhanced role within the Indian Air Force.
On Tuesday, DRDO will conduct a seminar titled “DRDO Industry Synergy towards Viksit Bharat: Make in India – Make for World” at Hall No. 2. The seminar will foster industry engagement, self-reliance in defence, and promote defence exports. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the event, which will also see the release of policies related to technology transfer, harnessing innovative startups in defence R&D, and promoting DRDO products for export.
Also, an Indigenisation & Valedictory event titled “SAMARTHYA” will take place on Wednesday, organised by the Department of Defence Production (DDP). The event will recognise contributors to indigenous defence technologies, with five DRDO-developed products being showcased, and team leaders will be felicitated by the Defence Minister.
Earlier in February, DRDO also hosted the 15th Biennial Aero India International Seminar in collaboration with the Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI). The seminar, which took place on February 8-9, focused on “Futuristic Aerospace Technologies: Challenges in Design Validation,” providing insights into emerging trends and challenges in aerospace design and military airworthiness.
