Runway to a Billion Opportunities: PM Modi Inaugurates 14th Edition of Aero India 2023

Bengaluru (India), February 13, 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the 14th edition of Asia’s largest aeronautical show, Aero India 2023, in Bengaluru.

With the theme “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities,” this year’s event will feature aerobatics along with a large exhibition and trade fair of aerospace and defense companies from 98 countries.

PM Modi highlighted the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) indigenous Tejas aircraft and INS Vikrant and said that the event reflects India’s new strength and aspirations. He also encouraged foreign companies to participate in the “Make in India” policy and share technology or manufacture parts in the country.

The biennial air show is expected to witness 251 agreements worth Rs. 75,000 crore between various Indian and foreign defense companies. Air India is set to announce a potentially record deal to buy nearly 500 jets from Airbus SE and Boeing Co., worth more than $100 billion at list prices.

The United States is leading the largest-ever delegation to the air show, with Chargé d’Affaires Ambassador to India Elizabeth Jones in attendance.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon duo and an F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornet, the US Navy’s most advanced frontline carrier-based multirole strike fighters available today, will be on static display.

The IAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, led the Gurukul formation during the flypast at the inaugural ceremony. Aero India 2023 will provide an opportunity for India to showcase its potential to the world and open up a billion opportunities for the future.