The United States is actively participating in Aero India 2025, marking its 15th participation in Asia’s leading aerospace and defense trade show. This year’s event symbolizes the strengthening strategic partnership between the U.S. and India, underscored by mutual commitments to regional security, stability, economic growth, and collaborative defense initiatives.
At Aero India 2025, more than two dozen American exhibitors are scheduled to engage with their Indian counterparts to explore new business opportunities within the defense and aerospace sectors. The event will showcase advancements in technology, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS), fighter aircraft, advanced avionics, and defense electronics, while also aiming to boost bilateral defense trade and spur strategic investments.
Attendees can anticipate an impressive display of advanced U.S.-made defense equipment such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-35 Lightning II, KC-135 Stratotanker, and the B-1 Bomber, among others.
A notable aspect of this year’s participation includes a high-level U.S. delegation led by Chargé d’Affaires Jorgan Andrews, who represents the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi. The delegation features prominent officials including General Kevin Schneider, Commander of U.S. Pacific Air Forces, Brigadier General Patrick Teague, the Senior Defense Official of the U.S. Mission in India, and Consul General Chris Hodges from the U.S. Consulate General in Chennai. Andrews expressed enthusiasm regarding the U.S.’s participation, stating, “The United States is excited to once again participate in Aero India and to spotlight our strong defense ties with India. Our cooperation in defense, trade, and training is integral to our growing strategic partnership.”
Since the previous Aero India in 2023, the U.S.-India defense partnership has experienced significant growth, focusing on areas such as technology innovation, defense trade, maritime security, cybersecurity operations, logistics exchanges, counter-terrorism initiatives, joint military exercises, and training programs. General Kevin Schneider emphasized the relevance of Aero India for enhancing defense collaboration, noting it as an ideal platform to display U.S. defense aircraft and equipment that contribute to compatibility and interoperability with partner nations. He pointed out the link between increased bilateral defense trade and expanded information-sharing, training exercises, and defense agreements, asserting that the partnership continues to flourish in response to the dynamic security landscape in the Indo-Pacific region.
In a move to add a cultural dimension to the U.S. presence at Aero India, the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific will feature a 10-member ensemble called Final Approach, which is scheduled to perform at various venues, including Aero India 2025 on February 13 and 14, and at Christ University Auditorium in Bengaluru on February 11 at 5:00 PM. These performances are designed to promote people-to-people connections and highlight the strong cultural ties that complement the robust defense relationship.
Overall, Aero India 2025 serves as a crucial platform for emphasizing the U.S.-India defense and aerospace partnership. It aims to foster new avenues for defense collaboration and technology sharing, while reinforcing a shared vision for a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region. The active U.S. participation in the event illustrates its lasting commitment to enhancing defense and strategic relations with India, supporting regional stability, and advancing cooperative global security efforts.
