Aero India 2025, Asia’s premier aerospace exhibition, has begun today, February 10, and will continue until February 14 at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru. The event will showcase a range of advanced aircraft, including the U.S. F-35 Lightning II and Russia’s Su-57.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the 15th edition of Aero India, emphasizing India’s strength and self-reliance in the aerospace sector.
Spectators can witness aerial displays, including the Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran and Sarang teams, as well as international aerobatic squads. The exhibition includes participation from the US Air Force’s F-35 fifth-generation fighter aircraft, and the Russian Su-57.
The event highlights India’s growing capabilities in the global aerospace arena, with a dedicated India Pavilion displaying over 275 exhibits across five zones. Indian defence giants like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) are showcasing their latest innovations, including the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas) and the Advanced Light Helicopter (Dhruv).
Prior to the event, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh took a historic flight together in the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) TEJAS.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted mainly clear skies throughout the week in Bengaluru.
Bangalore Traffic Police have implemented traffic restrictions and diversions from February 10 to 14. Attendees were advised to arrive early, carry valid identification, and use public transportation. The exhibition is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with air shows in the morning and afternoon.
The event includes a Defence Ministers’ Conclave for discussions on global security and defence partnerships. The first three days (Feb 10–12) are reserved for business travellers.
The rural police have arrested another army jawaan for allegedly leaking confidential information to Pakistan-based intelligence agencies. The accused, identified as Sandeep Singh from Sardoolgarh, is currently stationed at the Nasik Army camp. He was arrested in Patiala while on…
The rural police have arrested another army jawaan for allegedly leaking confidential information to Pakistan-based intelligence agencies. The accused, identified as Sandeep Singh from Sardoolgarh, is currently stationed at the Nasik Army camp. He was arrested in Patiala while on leave.
This marks the second arrest in the past three days. Earlier, the police apprehended Amritpal Singh from Chamba Kalan village in Chohla Sahib, Tarn Taran. Amritpal was reportedly part of a syndicate involved in espionage and cross-border drug smuggling. The police have also booked another army jawan, Rajbir Singh, in the same case and teams have been dispatched to arrest him.
Sandeep Singh’s arrest followed the interrogation of Amritpal Singh. The police seized three mobile phones from Sandeep, which have been sent for forensic examination to determine the extent of the information he shared with the agencies.
Authorities say Sandeep Singh provided vital details such as Army movements, ammunition information and locations of various army units to Pakistan’s ISI. The espionage racket is believed to have been operating for the past two years.
In addition to Amritpal, the police had earlier arrested Mandeep Singh alias Maddy and Madhav Sharma of Rajasthan. The police seized 500g of heroin, Rs 10 lakh in drug money, a cash counting machine and a .30 bore pistol from their possession. The car they were travelling in was also impounded.
SSP (Amritsar Rural) Charanjit Singh Sohal said the army authorities have been notified about the involvement of Amritpal, Sandeep Singh and Rajbir in transferring sensitive information to Pakistan’s ISI and their role in cross-border drug smuggling. He said Sandeep Singh would be produced in court and brought on police remand for further investigation.
US and Russian stealth fighters make historic appearance at Aero India 2025
Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57 Felon and the US’ Lockheed F-35 Lightning II are both advanced, fifth-generation fighters
In a historic moment, the latest stealth fighter aircraft from rival countries, Russia and the US, are sharing the same airspace and adjoining parking slots on the tarmac at Aero India 2025, which kicked off in Bengaluru on February 10. Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57 Felon and the US’ Lockheed F-35 Lightning II are both advanced, fifth-generation fighters. Notably, this marks the first appearance of the Su-57 in India, whereas the F-35 has been showcased at Aero India previously.
The inclusion of these cutting-edge aircraft at Aero India 2025 highlights the significance of stealth, connectivity, and multi-role versatility in next-generation fighter aircraft for modern air forces, according to the Ministry of Defence. This year’s event is expected to be the largest air show in Asia.
Su-57: A twin-engine, multirole fighter capable of aerial combat as well as ground and maritime strike, the Su-57 incorporates stealth, super-manoeuvrability and super-cruise features besides a large payload capacity. Its sleek, aerodynamic design and internal weapons bays reduce radar cross-section, enhancing its survivability
It combines supersonic cruising speeds, advanced sensor integration and a formidable arsenal of weapons comprising long range air-to-air, air-to-surface as well as hypersonic missiles, bombs and precision guided munitions. The Su-57 is equipped with advanced systems such as the N036 Byka radar featuring multiple arrays for a 360-degree situational awareness and Irbis-E infrared search and track system, enabling it to detect and engage targets without relying on radar. Its aero-engines provide thrust vectoring, a hallmark of Russian fighter design that provides exceptional agility and manoeuvrability.
F-35: Designed for air superiority and strike missions, the F-35 has three variants –conventional take-off and landing, short take-off and vertical-landing and a carrier-based naval variant, making it adaptable to diverse operational requirements. It first flew in 2006 and entered service with the US Marine Corps in July 2015, followed by the US Air Force in August 2016 and the US Navy in February 2019.
At the heart of the F-35 is the sensor fusion technology, which integrates data from its advanced radar, electro-optical targeting system and distributed aperture system into a single, real-time operational picture for the pilot. This capability, combined with its low-observable stealth design, allows the F-35 to penetrate heavily defended airspace and conduct precision strikes effectively.
While Russia is the sole operator of the Su-30 so far, with a limited number of aircraft in service, the F-35 has been exported to Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, South Korea and the United Kingdom, with a dozen more potential customers lined up.
India was a development partner with Russia on the PAK-FA – the joint Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft project that culminated with the Su-57, it pulled out in 2018 over concerns of costs, work share and operational requirements.
The presence of the Su-57 and F-35 at Aero India could spark discussions on future partnerships, technology transfers and joint development opportunities, aligning with the vision of self-reliance, as well as offer valuable insights for India’s defence modernisation and indigenous fighter development programmes, the MoD has stated.
B-1B Lancer: The US Air Force’s long range supersonic bomber has flown over Indian skies before during air shows. With a range of 11,000 km and a payload capacity of 34,000 kg of nuclear and conventional weapons, including missile and bombs, this aircraft forms a critical component of American strike capabilities.
Known for its distinctive variable-sweep wing design, the B-1B combines high-speed performance and advanced avionics for mission accomplishment and can rapidly deploy and strike targets across vast distances, making it a key asset for global power projection.
KC-135 Stratotanker: The cornerstone of the US Air Force’s aerial refuelling fleet, it is a military adaptation of the Boeing 707 airframe designed to extend the range and operational flexibility of combat aircraft. Since its introduction in the 1950s, it has played a vital role in global military operations, providing critical mid-air refuelling support to fighter jets, bombers, transport aircraft and reconnaissance platforms.
With a capacity to carry over 90,000 kg fuel, the KC-135’s versatility and reliability have made it an asset for power projection, enabling long-range missions and rapid deployment of forces worldwide. The aircraft has undergone numerous upgrades and modernisation over the years to meet contemporary requirements.
Besides these that would be part of the flypasts at Aero India, several fighters, logistics and unmanned aircrafts are on static display. These include –
F-16 Fighting Falcon: A single-engine lightweight multi-role fighter aircraft that is operated by numerous air forces around the world, including Pakistan. It has been used extensively in combat, including American operations in the Middle East, Gulf and east Europe.
Airbus A330 MRTT: A multirole tanker-transport aircraft in service with 15 nations, it integrates the ability to transport large numbers of troops and cargo with the speed, range and comfort of an airliner. It can be configured as a mid-air refuelling aircraft and as a medical evacuation aircraft with stretchers.
A-400M: A four-engine turboprop military airlifter that combines the ability to fly to strategic distances carrying heavy loads with the ability to land and deliver those loads on tactical short and unpaved airstrips, it can airlift outsize cargo such as heavy armoured vehicles, helicopters or specialised civil engineering equipment. It can also be reconfigured as an aerial tanker.
Embraer C-390 Millennium: It is a new generation military multi-mission airlift aircraft designed for mobility, airfield operation flexibility and high safety levels at low operational costs. It can perform a variety of missions such as cargo and troop transport, cargo and paratroopers airdrop and aerial refuelling.
Airbus’ Ecureuil H125: The single-engine helicopter has been produced in large numbers for global customers and depends on performance, versatility, lower acquisition and maintenance costs, while also excelling in high-and-hot and extreme environments. Tata and Airbus Helicopters have partnered to establish the industrial setup for producing the H125 in India, becoming the first entity in the private sector to start manufacturing helicopters in India. Deliveries are expected to commence in 2026.
Aero India begins in Bengaluru; Defence Minister calls it ‘Maha Kumbh’ of country’s might
Rajnath Singh says ‘India has always been an advocate of peace and stability’
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday, said that peace can never be achieved in a weak state of security, and only by being strong, we will be able to work for a better world order.
Citing global uncertainties, he said that as a big country, India has always been an advocate of peace and stability.
Speaking after inaugurating the 15th edition of Aero India here, he also highlighted that the time has come for the private sector to become an equal partner in the defence industry.
“For us, there is no Indian security or Indian peace in isolation. Security, stability and peace are shared constructs that transcend national borders. The presence of our friends from foreign countries (at Aero India) is a testimony to the fact that our partners share our vision of One earth, One family, One future,” Singh said.
He stressed the need to work together to deal with today’s uncertainties and the new challenges emerging from today’s perspectives.
nt
“Peace can never be achieved in a weak state of security. The banyan tree of peace can stand only on the roots of strength. I believe that we all have to be strong together, only then will we be able to ensure peace. Only by being strong, we will be able to work for a better world order,” he said.
Further noting that in this environment of global uncertainty, India is a big country where there is peace and prosperity, the Defence Minister said, “If you assess the history of India, you will find that we have neither attacked any country nor have we been involved in any great power rivalry.”
“As a big country, India has always been an advocate of peace and stability. And when I am saying this, it is not just a matter of saying, but it is a matter of our fundamental ideal,” he said.
Pointing at the theme for Aero India, ‘The Runway To A Billion Opportunities’, Singh said, “I believe that there cannot be a more suitable theme than this. It tells us that in our country of a billion plus people, personifying a billion opportunities, this Aero show can be nothing less than that.”
Aero India which starts today, has many objectives, he said, “The first important objective of Aero India is to showcase not only our Industrial capability but also our technological advancements, to the world.”
Stating that there is a bigger objective of strengthening our symbiotic relations with friendly nations, Singh said, today the platform of Aero India, has brought together, government representatives, industry leaders, air force officers, Scientists, Defence Sector Experts, Start-ups, Academia and other stakeholders from across the world.
“This confluence would be effective in bringing our partners closer together, ultimately benefiting us all,” he added.
Noting that Maha Kumbh is underway in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj and scores of people are taking a dip of faith and devotion there, the Defence Minister said, “I feel that another Maha Kubh is beginning today in the form of Aero India. While on one hand the Prayagraj Kumbh is a Kumbh of soul searching, and the Maha Kumbh of Aero India is a Kumbh of research.”
Highlighting that India is going through a transformational phase and that the country is fast moving from being a developing to a developed nation, the Defence Minister said, in every sector, we see radical improvement, and India has made a huge jump in sectors like physical infrastructure, digital infrastructure, Start-up ecosystem, industrial support base, MSMEs, innovation.
In the defence sector too there is a wave of innovation, he said.
Historically, the defence industrial sector was viewed as a non-economic sector in India, and it was not seen as a component of the national economy, but merely as an unavoidable necessity in view of national security, Singh said. However, he said, in the last 10 years the government brought about a paradigm shift in this.
“It is our endeavour that, just like sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, industry etc., the defence industrial sector should also be seen as an economic sector. This sector should be fully integrated with the overall economy. Overall, one of the main objectives of our campaign is also to do economic mainstreaming of the Defence Industrial Sector. Today, the Indian Defence Industrial sector is a motor, powering the growth engine of the Indian economy,” he said.
In the last 10 years, the government has considered the defence sector as the top priority sector of the country, he said.
Stating that the budgetary allocation for the sector has improved, Singh pointed out that a record Rs 6.81 lakh crore has been allocated for this sector in 2025-26 fiscal. This is 9.53 per cent increase from last year.
The defence capital budget has also been increased to Rs 1.80 lakh crore for this fiscal, he added.
He also lauded the contribution of Bengaluru in strengthening the defence ecosystem.
India’s domestic defence manufacturing is at a record level of over Rs 1.25 lakh crore, he further said, “Our defence export has crossed the record figure of Rs 21,000 crore for the first time. In the future, we are committed to making a significant increase in these figures.”
Army kicks off Pir Panjal winter festival in Poonch
The Army kicked off the Pir Panjal Winter Festival in Poonch on Sunday, setting the stage for wide array of sports and cultural spectacles spread over next two months. “This festival is a testament to the Army’s unwavering commitment to…
The Army kicked off the Pir Panjal Winter Festival in Poonch on Sunday, setting the stage for wide array of sports and cultural spectacles spread over next two months.
“This festival is a testament to the Army’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, cultural preservation and social reformation, particularly in advocating it commitment against drug abuse,” said Defense spokesperson Lt Col Suneel Bartwal.
The festival encompasses a variety of sports and cultural events, including
Under-25 boys cricket tournament, Under-25 boys and Under 21 girls volleyball tournament, open Kho-Kho Tournament (for girls), Gujari and pahari folk dance performances with music and dance talent hunt, solo and group singing competitions, science and arts exhibitions, painting, essay writing and elocution competitions.
PlayUnmute
Loaded: 1.01%Fullscreen
“This initiative serves as a catalyst for fostering sportsmanship, cultural renaissance and holistic development among the youth, particularly those hailing from remote and marginalised communities of Poonch. The overwhelming response from the enthusiastic populace of Poonch underscores the profound reverence and camaraderie shared between the community and the Indian Army,” the spokesperson said.
He said that beyond mere festivities, the Pir Panjal Winter Festival embodies a transformative movement, inspiring young minds to eschew the perils of substance abuse and channel their energies toward constructive, life-affirming pursuits.
7 rocket shells found from garbage dump in Punjab’s Patiala
No explosive was found in the shells, Punjab Police’s Deputy Inspector General Mandeep Singh Sidhu said
Seven rocket shells were found from a garbage dump in Punjab’s Patiala district, a senior police officer said on Monday.
No explosive was found in the shells, Punjab Police’s Deputy Inspector General Mandeep Singh Sidhu said.
He said the rocket shells were found from a garbage dump in Patiala.
Further investigation is underway, police said.
Brig HPS Bedi (Retd),PRESIDENT HARYANA STATE UNIT SANJHA MORCHA and Founder Trustee, Sāttvikam Charitable Trust: Donate Rs one Lakh to Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre (PRC) in Mohali,
Brig HS Bedi (Retd) VSM ,JAK Rifles shares his recent experience that has deeply touched all Sanjha Morcha Members and Trustees as he donated and had the honor of presenting a cheque of ₹1,00,000 to Ex-Rifleman Devinder Singh, a brave soldier who has given so much for our nation. a at the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre (PRC) in Mohali, and In addition, Sāttvikam Charitable Trust has sanctioned a monthly stipend of ₹4,000 to support his ongoing needs.
Visiting the PRC, he says he was profoundly moved by the dedication and compassion exhibited by the Director and the entire staff. Their unwavering commitment to the care and rehabilitation of our wounded and disabled soldiers is truly commendable.
He consider himself fortunate that God has granted him this opportunity to assist and support a disabled soldier. He also earnestly appeal to my fellow veterans and compassionate citizens to contribute generously towards such noble causes. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our country.
Warm regards,
Brig HPS Bedi (Retd) Founder Trustee, Sāttvikam Charitable Trust and PRESIDENT HARYANA STATE UNIT SANJHA MORCHA
487 more Indians face final removal orders, verification underway: Misri
The US has shared a list of 487 individuals presumed to be Indian citizens who face final removal orders, meaning they are slated for deportation. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Friday disclosed that details of 298 of these individuals had been received by India for document verification.
Misri was addressing the media ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France and the US, where he was questioned about the deportation of Indian nationals, particularly in light of a broader list of 18,000 names of illegal Indian immigrants shared by the US. Sources said the list of 487 individuals was in addition to the 96 persons whose documents had already been verified for deportation. These 96 individuals were initially part of the first batch of 204 deportees, 104 of whom arrived in Amritsar on a US Air Force plane on February 5.
Four individuals from this batch were currently being re-verified, they said. Regarding the list of 487 individuals, Misri stated, “We have sought details, which have been provided to us with regard to 298 individuals… We have been very transparent on this issue with our US counterparts.”
When asked about reports of handcuffing and shackling of deportees, the Foreign Secretary said, “The mistreatment of deportees is a valid issue to raise. We continue to emphasise to the US authorities that there should be no mistreatment of deportees… We will continue to take up any instances of mistreatment that come to our attention.”
He also noted that the recent deportation involving a military plane was “somewhat different” from routine deportation flights. “The process of deportation is not new. It is something that the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also emphasised in Parliament yesterday,” said Misri.
Jaishankar, addressing the issue in Parliament on Thursday, explained that the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) followed a standard operating procedure from 2012, which allowed for the use of restraints under certain conditions. However, he clarified that women and children were not restrained, and deportees were unrestrained during toilet breaks.
Misri highlighted the importance of cooperation between India and the US on deportation matters, stating, “Any country in the world, if it wants to accept its nationals back, will want to have the assurance that whosoever is coming back is a citizen of that country. There are issues of legality and security associated with it.” He also stressed the need for systemic action against the ecosystem that promoted illegal immigration.
Cabinet clears new tax Bill, to be tabled in Parl next week
Union Cabinet on Friday approved the new Income Tax Bill to replace the Income Tax Act, 1961, the aim being to modernise the tax system and simplify the legal jargon so that taxpayers can easily understand its provisions. The Bill…
Union Cabinet on Friday approved the new Income Tax Bill to replace the Income Tax Act, 1961, the aim being to modernise the tax system and simplify the legal jargon so that taxpayers can easily understand its provisions.
The Bill was announced on February 1 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her Budget speech and is likely to be brought to Parliament next week.
The Bill won’t introduce new taxes and rather focus on simplifying tax laws, reducing legal complexities and making compliance easier for taxpayers, said sources. It would have shorter sentences, provisos and explanations, they said.
The government has also said that the new law would be 50 per cent shorter than the current one, with the major goal being to reduce litigation. The Bill may introduce lower penalties for certain offences, making the tax system more taxpayer-friendly. The new tax system will take effect from the 2025-26 financial year and apply to taxpayers from the assessment year 2026-27. In other decisions, the Cabinet okayed the revision of the divisional jurisdiction under the proposed South Coast Railway division of the Indian Railways, retaining the Waltair division in a truncated form and renaming it as Visakhapatnam division, thus doing away with the colonial name, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw informed mediapersons after the meeting.
The Cabinet also approved the continuation and restructuring of the Skill India programme till 2026 with an overlay outlay of Rs 8,800 crore from the period 2022-23 to 2025-26.
The Army honoured a sniffer dog for exemplary service in detecting explosive materials, including Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Jammu, officials said. Teena, a highly skilled specialist in explosive detection, was honoured by General Officer Commanding, Tiger Division, Major General…
The Army honoured a sniffer dog for exemplary service in detecting explosive materials, including Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Jammu, officials said.
Teena, a highly skilled specialist in explosive detection, was honoured by General Officer Commanding, Tiger Division, Major General Mukesh Bhanwala, at headquarters in Jammu on Wednesday, the defence spokesperson said.
Teena’s remarkable career has been marked by her unwavering dedication and expertise in detecting explosive materials. Her exceptional service has been a testament to her rigorous training and resilience,” an Army spokesperson said.
Teena has been stationed in Jammu and Kashmir for over two years in her current assignment and has participated in various important events and operations, providing critical support to the security forces, he added.
“As Teena retires from active duty, she leaves behind a legacy of bravery, loyalty and selflessness. Her contributions to the security forces will never be forgotten, and she will always be remembered as a hero and a loyal companion” the spokesperson said.
State Stalwarts
CHIEF PATRON ALL INDIA SANJHA MORCHA
LT GEN JASBIR SINGH DHALIWAL, DOGRA
PATRON ALL INDIA SANJHA MORCHA
MAJOR GEN HARVIJAY SINGH, SENA MEDAL ,corps of signals
.
.
PRESIDENT HARYANA STATE UNIT SANJHA MORCHA
BRIG HPS BEDI , VSM ,JAK Rif
PRESIDENT PANCHKULA HARYANA UNIT SANJHA MORCHA
BRIG DALJIT THUKRAL (Retd) BENGAL SAPPERS
SECY (HONY) NRI’s ESMs , ALL INDIA SANJHA MORCHA
SUB AVTAR SINGH
+1(647)501-8112
AFFILIATED TO SANJHA MORCHA
INDO-CANADIAN VETERANS GROUP
FOUNDER CHAIRMAN SANJHA MORCHA
MAJOR SANTOKH SINGH DHILLON,SIGNALS
FOUNDER PRESIDENT SANJHA MORCHA
COL RANJIT SINGH BOPARAI ,ASC
INDIAN DEFENCE FORCES
DEFENCE FORCES INTEGRATED LOGO
FORCES FLAGS
15 Th PRESIDENT OF INDIA SUPREME COMMANDER ARMED FORCES
Droupadi Murmu
DEFENCE MINISTER
Minister Rajnath Singh
CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF (2nd)
General Anil Chauhan PVSM UYSM AVSM SM VSM
INDIAN FORCES CHIEFS
CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF(29th)
General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM (30 Jun 2024 to Till Date)