India to Showcase Defence Prowess at Dubai Air Show 2025
India is set to display its growing defence capabilities at the Dubai Air Show 2025, with Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth leading a high-level delegation to the event from November 17-18.
Key Highlights
- Minister Sanjay Seth to lead Indian delegation and hold bilateral talks with UAE counterpart
- India Pavilion featuring HAL, DRDO, and private defence companies
- 19 Indian industries and 15 startups showcasing capabilities independently
- Indian Air Force participation with Suryakiran Aerobatic Team and LCA Tejas
The delegation includes senior officers from the Department of Defence, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of External Affairs, and the Armed Forces, highlighting the strategic importance of the event.
Strengthening International Partnerships
Minister Seth will chair an industry round table with approximately 50 companies from India, the UAE, Australia, the USA, Brazil, the UK, and Italy. The discussions will focus on enhancing cooperation in defence technology and manufacturing in India.
The India Pavilion, to be inaugurated by Minister Seth, will feature stalls from major defence players including HAL, DRDO, Corel Technologies, Dantal Hydraulics, Image Synergy Ekxplor, and SFO Technologies.
Indian Defence Industry Presence
Beyond the official pavilion, 19 Indian industries including Bharat Forge, BrahMos, Tech Mahindra, and HBL Engineering will independently showcase their capabilities. Additionally, 15 Indian startups will exhibit innovative defence products and solutions.
The Dubai Air Show, a biennial event, hosts more than 1,500 exhibitors and over 148,000 industry professionals from 150 countries, featuring major international aerospace companies such as Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and Thales.
Indian Air Force’s Star Attractions
The Indian Air Force contingent, comprising the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team and Tejas fighters, has already arrived at Al Maktoum Airbase for the air show.
The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), formed in 1996, is among the very few nine-aircraft aerobatics teams in the world and the only one in Asia. The team has performed more than 500 displays in India and internationally, showcasing Indian Air Force professionalism in countries including China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, and the UAE.
Flying the Hawk Mk 132 aircraft, SKAT’s performances involve stunning formation loops, barrel rolls, and gravity-defying crossovers that push the limits of aerial artistry. The team lives by its motto “Sadaiva Sarvottam” – “Always the Best”.
