India is set to make a significant mark at the Dubai Air Show 2025, with Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, leading a high-level delegation to the event. The show, scheduled for November 17-18 in the United Arab Emirates, will serve as a platform for India to showcase its defence capabilities and foster international partnerships.
The Indian delegation comprises senior officials from the Department of Defence, the Department of Defence Production, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Armed Forces. A key highlight of the visit will be a bilateral meeting between MoS Sanjay Seth and his UAE counterpart, aimed at strengthening defence ties between the two nations.
In addition to the bilateral talks, Seth will chair an industry round table involving around 50 companies from India, the UAE, Australia, the USA, Brazil, the UK, and Italy. This session is designed to enhance cooperation in defence technology and manufacturing, underscoring India’s commitment to becoming a global hub for defence innovation.
The India Pavilion at the Dubai Air Show will be inaugurated by MoS Seth. The Pavilion will feature stalls from prominent Indian defence entities such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Corel Technologies, Dantal Hydraulics, Image Synergy Ekxplor, and SFO Technologies. These organisations will present their latest advancements and capabilities in defence technology.
Beyond the Pavilion, 19 Indian industries, including Bharat Forge, BrahMos, Tech Mahindra, and HBL Engineering, will showcase their capabilities independently. Additionally, 15 Indian startups will exhibit their innovative products and solutions, highlighting the vibrant ecosystem of defence innovation in India.
The Indian Air Force will also participate actively in the Dubai Air Show, with the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team and the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas making their presence felt. The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team, known for its precision and skill, will perform aerobatic displays, while the LCA Tejas will be showcased as a testament to India’s indigenous defence manufacturing prowess.
The Dubai Air Show is a biennial event that attracts over 1,500 exhibitors and more than 148,000 industry professionals from 150 countries. Major international aerospace companies such as Bombardier, Dassault Aviation, Embraer, Thales, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and Calidus will also be in attendance, making it a premier event for global defence and aerospace collaboration.
The Indian Air Force contingent, including the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team and Tejas fighters, has already landed at Al Maktoum Airbase, ready to participate in the show. The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team, formed in 1996, is renowned for its stunning formation loops, barrel rolls, and gravity-defying crossovers. The team’s motto, “Sadaiva Sarvottam” or “Always the Best,” reflects its commitment to excellence and precision.
As India continues to strengthen its position in the global defence arena, the Dubai Air Show 2025 provides a crucial platform for showcasing its capabilities and fostering international partnerships. The participation of high-level delegates, industry leaders, and the Indian Air Force underscores India’s growing influence and commitment to advancing defence technology and collaboration.