New Delhi [India], June 23: The Paris Air Show, the world’s oldest and largest aerospace exhibition, has long been a global stage for the most advanced aviation and defence technologies. Its origins trace back to 1909, when the first dedicated aviation event was held at the historic Grand Palais in Paris—a response to the immense public fascination with flying machines. Fast-forward to today, and the show has evolved into the most important gathering for aerospace professionals and defence leaders across the globe.
This year’s 56th Paris Air Show, scheduled for June 16–22, 2025, will take place at the iconic Le Bourget Parc des Expositions. For military leaders, manufacturers, and delegations worldwide, this event is a strategic showcase where future technologies are revealed, billion-dollar deals are signed, and international alliances are built. It’s where the technological roadmap for defence innovation is decided.
Le Bourget: Historic Heart of Aerospace Progress
The choice of Le Bourget as the venue is steeped in aviation history. One of Europe’s oldest airports, it was where Charles Lindbergh completed the first solo transatlantic flight in 1927. Since moving to this historic airport in 1953, the Paris Air Show has witnessed humanity’s greatest aviation milestones—from the biplanes of the early 20th century to supersonic jets and unmanned aerial systems. Every two years, Le Bourget reaffirms its role as the centre of global aerospace and defence discourse.
Strengthening India-France Strategic Cooperation
India and France share a decades-long strategic partnership, built on mutual trust, democratic values, and close cooperation across defence, civil nuclear energy, and space. Established in 1998 and celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2023, this partnership continues to deepen, especially around defence and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Annual high-level dialogues between leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron continue to fuel progress. Milestones like the Rafale jet acquisition and the indigenous production of Scorpene submarines reflect the enduring India-France commitment to mutual growth and security.
DRDO Takes Centre Stage at Paris Air Show 2025
At this prestigious 2025 event, India will be represented by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). DRDO’s participation underscores its world-class indigenous technologies and India’s ambition to grow its defence exports.
Since its inception, DRDO has powered India’s drive for self-reliance across a spectrum of advanced military systems—including fighter jets, missiles, naval platforms, UAVs, radars, and electronic warfare suites. Aligning perfectly with the “Make in India, Make for the World” initiative, DRDO aims to engage global players at the Paris Air Show, showcasing that India is not only capable of meeting its own defence needs but also ready to support partner nations with proven, cost-effective solutions.
Showcasing India’s Indigenous Technologies
Some of DRDO’s most cutting-edge systems will be on display at Paris 2025:
1. Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mark-II
The Mk-II is a multirole supersonic fighter equipped with a delta-wing and close-coupled canards for agility. Its advanced avionics, long-range capability, and enhanced payload capacity make it ideal for network-centric missions and a future cornerstone of India’s air power.
2. Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C)
Mounted on an aircraft, the AEW&C system offers 360-degree surveillance over vast areas, allowing real-time tracking of aerial and maritime targets. Acting as a force multiplier, it provides decisive tactical advantage.
3. Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance (MRMR)
Based on the Airbus C-295 platform, this system is designed for India’s maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare missions, enabling the Indian Navy to protect its expansive coastline.
4. Astra Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM)
An indigenously developed game-changer, the Astra BVRAAM is capable of engaging fast-moving targets up to 100 km away, allowing Indian fighters to neutralize threats at safe stand-off distances.
5. Helina Helicopter-Launched Anti-Tank Guided Missile
This third-generation, fire-and-forget weapon integrates into the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). It can destroy enemy armour up to 7 km away, greatly enhancing India’s close-support capabilities.
6. Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) – Swathi
This advanced electronically scanned radar pinpoints the source of enemy artillery and mortars instantly, enabling Indian forces to deliver accurate counterattacks.
7. SHYEN Surveillance & Targeting Payloads for Dornier
This is a fully integrated suite including a maritime radar, electro-optical/infrared sensors, and electronic support measures, all designed to enhance India’s reconnaissance capabilities.
Paris Air Show: A Catalyst for Innovation & Collaboration
For DRDO, participation in the Paris Air Show is much more than a showcase. It is a critical opportunity to:
- Engage with top global defence and aerospace companies
- Benchmark India’s products against international standards
- Explore joint research and co-development programs
- Forge new partnerships for future innovation and export
By demonstrating its prowess at Le Bourget, DRDO aims to attract new international collaborations and strengthen existing ties, especially with France—one of India’s most trusted defence partners. The show also bolsters India’s position as a serious global player committed to high-quality, affordable defence solutions.
India’s Defence Ecosystem Ready for the World
As DRDO’s Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat noted, India is proud to participate at the Paris Air Show as a reflection of its commitment to global security and its growing expertise in defence R&D. Every product displayed—from radars to missiles and fighter jets—sends a clear message that India is well on its way to becoming a self-reliant defence manufacturing hub, capable of supporting not just its armed forces but also those of friendly nations.
Conclusion: India’s Ascent as a Defence Powerhouse
DRDO’s presence at Paris Air Show 2025 is a powerful statement of India’s technological progress and strategic ambitions. The event is more than a showcase of hardware; it reinforces India’s resolve to establish itself as a credible and competitive player in the global defence industry.
This prestigious platform also strengthens the time-tested India-France partnership, opening doors for new avenues of cooperation that will shape the future of defence technologies for decades to come. Visitors to the Indian pavilion will witness a nation on the rise—ready to innovate, collaborate, and contribute toward a safer, more prosperous world.
