Global confidence in india’s aerospace capabilities is growing says rajnath singh

Global confidence in india’s aerospace capabilities is growing says rajnath singh

Defence Minister hails participation of over 90 countries in Aero India show; Defence Secretary says government hopeful that supply of LCA Tejas from 2025-26 would be as per the original plan.

The light combat aircraft (LCA) production line has stabilised, not only at Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) but also for General Electric (GE) engines, Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary, Defence Production, said on Sunday.

“We are sure from 2025-26 onwards, LCA Tejas supply will be as per the original plan,” he said. He also noted that the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Defence Ministry were discussing various approaches and that “appropriate options would be exercised” to keep the armed forces ready for all kinds of situations.

“We are committed to the advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA)… and simultaneously we would be considering all options to make our armed forces ready and prepared,” Mr. Kumar said at the curtain-raiser press conference on Aero India, scheduled to be held in Bengaluru from February 10 to 14. He said that with the production line and engine issues having stabilised by 2025-26, 16 to 24 LCA would be delivered.

“We are working with our American partner GE so that their supply gets streamlined in 2025-26 and going forward,” he added.

Earlier in the day, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited HAL and saw the LCA-Mk1A jets, the deliveries of which have been delayed due to engine delays and other issues.

Amid delays in modernisation and falling fighter squadron strength, both the Russian Su-57 and American F-35, both fifth-generation fighters, will be present at Aero India.

This year’s Aero India, in its 15th edition, is spread over a total area of over 42,000 sq. m, with the confirmed participation of 931 exhibitors, including 150 foreign companies, making it the biggest till date.

Mr. Rajnath Singh termed the participation of more than 90 countries a testament to the growing global confidence in India’s aerospace and defence capabilities.

Record defence export

“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,” the Minister said.

“When it comes to defence manufacturing, I am delighted to share that our domestic defence production has surpassed a record ₹1.27 lakh crore,” Mr. Rajnath Singh said. “By the end of 2025-26, we expect this figure to exceed ₹1.60 lakh crore... Additionally, our defence exports have also crossed a record ₹21,000 crore, and by the end of 2025-26, we anticipate this figure to surpass ₹30,000 crore. I am confident that this event will further accelerate our journey toward self-reliance in defence production.”

The event comprises the Defence Ministers’ Conclave; a CEOs’ roundtable; the inauguration of the India and iDEX Pavilions; a Manthan iDEX event; a Samarthya indigenisation event; a valedictory function; seminars; breathtaking air shows; and an exhibition by aerospace companies.

Mr. Singh will host the Defence Ministers’ Conclave on February 11 in hybrid mode. The theme “Building Resilience through International Defence and Global Engagement (BRIDGE)” underscores the importance of supply chain resilience and strategic collaboration in defence, officials said.