BENGALURU, 14 FEB

Aero India 2025 has successfully showcased the latest advancements in aviation and aerospace technology, drawing over 500 delegates from 84 countries, including defence ministers and service chiefs. The biennial event has solidified its status as Asia's largest air show, featuring 931 exhibitors, of which 782 were Indian. The gathering also included 58 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and 115 global CEOs, reflecting the event's significance in the industry.

In addition to the dynamic aerial performances, the exhibition floor buzzed with activity, particularly at stalls selling military apparel and souvenirs from The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT). Bengaluru-based drone manufacturer Scandron launched a new 200-kg capacity logistics drone, despite the distracting roar of nearby aircraft. Despite the excitement, the city’s traffic chaos posed challenges for many attendees, as roads surrounding the venue became congested. Yet the enthusiasm for Aero India 2025 remained palpable, as the event concluded on a high note, marking a successful chapter in the history of aviation in India.

Meanwhile, on the final day of Aero India 2025, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has announced that the HAL Management Academy, its nodal training agency, and the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Dharwad have signed a MoU to strengthen industry-academia collaboration in advanced technologies.

The partnership will focus on joint research, internships, and technical education in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Robotics, AR/VR, and Digital Manufacturing, particularly in applications relevant to the aerospace and defence sectors, stated a press release issued by HAL on Friday.

Under this MoU, HAL officers will have opportunities to pursue higher education at IIIT Dharwad, while students will gain hands-on experience through internships at HAL's various divisions, stated the release. The collaboration also includes joint workshops, technical paper publications, and faculty exchange programmes, it added.