Aero India, Asia’s largest military aviation exhibition, is set to be held from February 3 to February 5 in Bengaluru, Karnataka. 

Addressing the ‘Curtain Raiser Event’ for Aero India show on Tuesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, “The Aero India 2021, will help forge enormous global engagement with the Indian defence industry, in the form of partnerships and investments, paving the path for a transformation of the world’s largest democracy into the world’s most powerful defence economy.”

Also read: Government to sign Rs 48,000 crore Tejas aircraft deal on Wednesday

Over 600 exhibitors from more than 50 countries, including 80 Foreign companies, will showcase their defence manufacturing prowess at Aero India 2021 exhibition.

While India will showcase its indigenously developed military power as part of government’s  ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, global aviation giants such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Dassault and Airbus will be flaunting their air power.

Also read: Flying of all sub-conventional platforms like UAVs banned in Bengaluru from Feb 1-8

“The highlight of Aero India 2021 would be the inauguration of India Pavilion, based on the theme – Rotary Wings, Conclave of Defence Ministers of IOR, Conclave of Chiefs of Air Staff of various countries, India – Russia Military Industrial Conference, Startup Manthan etc,” the defence minister said.

Notably, India is eyeing Africa and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) for the export of fighter jets, helicopters and missiles.

The first-of-its-kind hybrid air show will see people attending it in person as well as virtually since visitors from many countries can’t make it due to the COVID-19 restrictions.