DRDO @ The Paris Air Show 2025

By Abhinav Kumar & Shyam Sunder Meena

The Paris Air Show proudly holds the title of the world’s oldest and largest aerospace exhibition, with a history as rich as the industry it represents. Its origins trace back to 1908, a time when aviation was in its infancy and capturing the public’s imagination. Initially, aircraft were just a small feature within the grand Paris Motor Show. However, the immense fascination with these new flying machines was undeniable. This led pioneers of the burgeoning French aerospace industry to organize the very first event dedicated entirely to flight, held in 1909 at the magnificent Grand Palais. The reason for its creation was simple yet powerful: to provide a dedicated stage for the incredible new technology of aviation that was set to change the world.

Fast forward to the present day, and the world of aviation and defence is gearing up for the 56th iteration of this prestigious event, which will take place from June 16th to June 22nd, 2025. Now held at the Le Bourget Parc des Expositions, a venue synonymous with aviation history, the show has evolved into the most critical platform for the global aerospace industry. For professionals and enthusiasts in the defence sector, this is far more than a simple exhibition. It is the global epicenter where the future of aerospace and defence technology is unveiled, debated, and decided. It is where multi-billion-dollar deals are struck, strategic alliances are forged, and the technological trajectory for the coming years is set. The event brings together the most important players in the industry, from manufacturers and prime contractors to military delegations and government officials, all gathered to showcase cutting-edge innovations and foster vital international cooperation.

Le Bourget: A Landmark of Aviation History

The Paris Air Show boasts a rich history, tracing its origins back to 1908 as a section of the Paris Motor Show. A dedicated air show was launched the following year at the Grand Palais. After a break during the World Wars, the show resumed in 1946 and has been held biennially in odd years since 1949. The choice of Le Bourget as the venue is deeply significant. This is not just any exhibition center; it is a place etched in the annals of flight. Paris-Le Bourget Airport is one of Europe’s oldest and most famous airfields, having witnessed countless pivotal moments in aviation. Its history is a timeline of aviation milestones. Charles Lindbergh famously landed here in his “Spirit of St. Louis” in 1927, completing the first-ever solo non-stop transatlantic flight and instantly making Le Bourget a household name. Since its inception in 1909, the Paris Air Show itself has chronicled the story of flight, from the fragile wood-and-fabric biplanes of the early 20th century to the supersonic jets and advanced unmanned systems of today. Held at Le Bourget since 1953, the show benefits from the airport’s expansive grounds and historic atmosphere, providing a fitting and inspiring backdrop for the cutting-edge technology on display. Since the 1970s, it has solidified its position as a primary international reference point within the aeronautical sector.

The India-France Strategic Partnership: A Foundation of Trust

The relationship between India and France is a cornerstone of international diplomacy, built on decades of mutual trust and shared democratic values. This strategic partnership, formally established in 1998, has grown to encompass deep and resilient cooperation in defence, space, and civil nuclear matters. For the defence sector, this relationship is particularly vital and has stood the test of time. It serves as a cornerstone for their collaborative efforts across various sectors, particularly in defence and security.

This relationship, built on mutual trust and respect, celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2023 with roadmaps set for cooperation until 2047, including a specific focus on the Indo-Pacific region. Beyond defence, their partnership encompasses civil nuclear cooperation, maritime and Indo-Pacific security, counter-terrorism, space, and cybersecurity. High-level engagements, including annual strategic dialogues and official visits between leaders like Prime Minister Modi and President Macron, continually strengthen these vital bilateral ties. It is characterized by a high level of understanding of strategic issues and has led to significant collaborations, including the landmark acquisition of Rafale fighter jets and the joint production of Scorpene-class submarines. France has consistently been a reliable partner for India, supporting its security needs and its ambition to develop a self-reliant defence industrial base through the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. The Paris Air Show serves as a key event to further strengthen these time-tested ties.

DRDO Takes Center Stage at the Paris Air Show

The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), the R&D arm of India’s Ministry of Defence, is set to participate in the 55th International Paris Air Show at Le Bourget Parc des, France, from June 16-22, 2025. This participation represents a significant opportunity to engage with one of the world’s largest and most prestigious air shows, fostering connections with aerospace professionals globally. DRDO is actively involved in the design and development of advanced military systems and technologies, aligning with India’s “Make in India and Make for the World” initiatives. Their work spans a wide array of defence products, including missiles and missile-based air defence systems, Light Combat Aircraft, Main Battle Tanks, gun systems, UAVs, counter-UAV systems, multi-barrel rocket launchers, radars, naval systems, and soldier support systems. This event is a prime opportunity for DRDO to connect with aerospace professionals from around the world and demonstrate India’s technological prowess. DRDO has been instrumental in creating a robust and dynamic military-industrial ecosystem in India, developing a wide spectrum of technologies ranging from missiles and fighter jets to main battle tanks, electronic warfare suites, and advanced radar systems. Many of these systems are now the backbone of the Indian Armed Forces, and several have been successfully exported, demonstrating their world-class quality and reliability.

Showcasing ‘Made in India’ Excellence

At the Paris Air Show, DRDO will display a range of its flagship products, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the future of Indian defence technology. Here are some of the key systems that will be showcased:

• Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mark-II: A significant evolution of the proven Tejas platform, the Mk-II is a state-of-the-art multirole supersonic fighter. It features a delta wing and close-coupled canards for exceptional agility, advanced avionics, and an enhanced weapon-carrying capacity. It is designed for long-range missions and is fully equipped for modern network-centric warfare, making it a formidable asset in the air.

LCA Tejas Mark II

• Airborne Early Warning & Control System (AEW&C): This system acts as a crucial “eye in the sky.” Mounted on an aircraft platform, it provides 360-degree surveillance, tracking, and identification of aerial and sea-surface targets over a vast area, giving a decisive tactical advantage and acting as a potent force multiplier in any conflict.

Airborne Early Warning & Control System (AEW&C)

• Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance (MRMR): Based on the versatile Airbus C-295 aircraft, this system is custom-designed for the Indian Navy’s demanding maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) requirements, enhancing India’s ability to monitor its extensive maritime domain.

Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance (MRMR)

• Astra – Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM): India’s first indigenously designed BVRAAM, the Astra is a game-changing weapon. It can engage highly manoeuvrable supersonic targets at ranges up to 100 km, allowing Indian Air Force fighters to dominate the skies by engaging enemy aircraft from a safe standoff distance.

Astra – Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM)

• Helina – Helicopter Launched Anti-Tank Guided Missile: This third-generation “fire and forget” missile is designed to be launched from the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). It can accurately destroy heavily armoured tanks and other targets from a safe distance of up to 7 km, providing a significant anti-armor capability to army aviation units.

Helina – Helicopter Launched Anti-Tank Guided Missile

• Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) – Swathi: This advanced electronically scanned phased array radar is a battlefield essential. It can automatically and instantly detect the location of enemy artillery, mortars, and rocket launchers, allowing for a swift and precise counter-attack.

Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) – Swathi

• SHYEN (Payloads for Dornier Mid Life Upgrade): This is a fully integrated sensor suite designed to upgrade the Dornier surveillance aircraft. It combines a Maritime Patrol Radar, Electronic Support Measures, and an Electro-Optical/Infra-Red system to provide a comprehensive, real-time picture of the maritime domain.

A Catalyst for Collaboration and Growth

The Paris Air Show is far more than a mere exhibition; it stands as a powerful catalyst for both fostering growth and driving innovation within the global aerospace and defence sectors. For the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), participating in this prestigious event offers an invaluable confluence of opportunities. It provides a direct platform to engage and interact with leading global industry figures, fostering dialogues that can shape future technological advancements. This interaction also allows DRDO to rigorously benchmark its indigenous technologies and products against the best in the world, identifying areas for further refinement and excellence. Crucially, the show is a fertile ground for exploring new frontiers of research and development, connecting with international partners on cutting-edge projects, and identifying promising new markets for India’s indigenously developed defence solutions.

For the robust India-France relationship, the Paris Air Show serves as a potent reinforcement of the deep-seated defence cooperation that underpins their strategic partnership. This long-standing alliance, built on mutual trust and shared strategic interests, finds new vigor at such international platforms. The event proactively opens new avenues for future collaborations, encouraging joint ventures in critical technologies and facilitating vital technology-sharing agreements. These cooperative efforts are not just beneficial for commercial gain; they are essential for ensuring mutual security and fostering shared prosperity in an increasingly complex global environment. As Dr. Samir V Kamat, the distinguished Chairman of DRDO, has rightly observed, the show continues the proud legacy of India-France defence relations, a legacy marked by consistent cooperation and innovation. DRDO’s prominent presence and the showcasing of its world-class products at this global stage send an unequivocal signal to the world: India has firmly established itself as a major player in the global defence and aerospace landscape, equipped with world-class products and a robust, forward-looking vision for the future of defence technology. This participation underscores India’s growing confidence in its defence capabilities and its readiness to contribute significantly to global security.

Conclusion A Global Statement: India’s Ascent in Defence

The participation of the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) in the Paris Air Show 2025 is more than just an attendance; it is a profound and confident stride forward for India’s burgeoning defence industry. This prominent presence on such an esteemed international platform serves as a powerful testament to the nation’s rapidly advancing scientific and technological prowess. It underscores India’s unwavering ambition not only to achieve self-reliance in defence but also to emerge as a significant global defence manufacturing hub, capable of meeting both its own needs and those of friendly nations.

By presenting its array of advanced, indigenously developed, and, crucially, combat-proven systems at this prestigious world stage, India achieves multiple strategic objectives. Firstly, it undeniably strengthens its deep-rooted strategic partnership with France, reinforcing the collaborative spirit and mutual trust that define their defence relationship. Secondly, and perhaps more broadly, it unequivocally demonstrates India’s capability as a credible and reliable defence partner to the wider international community. This showcases India’s commitment to contributing to global security through its high-quality, cost-effective, and cutting-edge defence solutions. For professionals and decision-makers within the global defence community, the Indian pavilion at Le Bourget will undoubtedly be a must-visit destination. It promises to offer a clear, compelling, and comprehensive view of a nation on the rise, showcasing its innovation, its manufacturing capabilities, and its strategic vision for the future of defence and aerospace. This engagement is a vital step in cementing India’s position as a dependable and formidable force in the international defence landscape.