AI and Cybersecurity Take Center Stage at Aero India 2025

War in the Digital Age: AI, cybersecurity take command at Aero India 2025

Aero India 2025 has big focus on cybersecurity and modern defence innovations, with Adani Defence & Aerospace showcasing AI-driven solutions and electronic warfare capabilities. Key highlights include automated surveillance, anti-drone systems, and scalable ammunition production, bolstering India's national security and indigenous defence manufacturing.Cybersecurity topped the agenda at Aero India 2025 at the Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bengaluru. Cyber warfare has lately taken over battlefields, and there is a tremendous need to safeguard military communications, radar networks, and surveillance systems. India presented its latest capabilities in cybersecurity, AI, and electronic warfare -- mainly driven so far by the Adani Group -- on the show platform. Adani Defence & Aerospace was one of the most outstanding exhibitors; it showcased latest cyber defence solutions along with native military technology. The company has made it abundantly clear-the future of war will not just be about guns and bombs, but about smartness, perceptions, and information control. Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO of Adani Defence & Aerospace, summed up the nature of modern warfare. "These wars were not only about kinetics but also about perception management. Cyber [has become] a very important tool in shaping how and why people side with one or the other. The wars are going to move more from the platforms into intelligence and data mining. This is an insight that speaks volumes about the growing role that AI-driven cybersecurity plays within military operations. Surveillance, digital threat analysis, and electronic warfare are no longer auxiliary roles; rather, they are center-stage in national security. Defence is undergoing a transformation unprecedented in scale through artificial intelligence. Technologies displayed by Adani demonstrated the ability of AI to mitigate manpower needs while augmenting operational efficiency. One of the startling claims made was how "a force of 100 can work with just 20 people, and one person can monitor 500 cameras instead of needing 500 operators". Besides automation, AI is being applied to strengthen cyber security, identify threats in real time, and neutralize possible cyber attacks even before they occur. AI infusion into defense systems ensures that the Indian military responds faster and better to cyber threats. Probably, one of the biggest risks at present is drone warfare. Adani Defence has designed an electronic warfare system that can detect and nullify enemy drones with effective distance up to 20 kilometers from the chosen location. The company unveiled modular anti-drone systems, which could be quickly deployed and redeployed within 15 minutes-an important advantage in rapidly evolving combat environments. This calls out for cost-effective kamikaze drones. High-volume stuff. "We're shifting to mass production warfare from limited assets and high value." "Rather than talking about 12 or 15 strategic platforms being produced every year, how do we produce 100,000 drones, 200,000 FPVs becomes very, very critical." It emphasizes scalable production in a manner that is quite different from previous military strategies and reflects lessons learned from conflicts in Eastern Europe, where drones have played a decisive role. Cybersecurity is not just about defence; it's about resilience. Adani's contributions at Aero India 2025 highlighted the necessity of a secure, AI-driven digital infrastructure for modern defence forces. Their AI-powered command centres integrate deep learning and computer vision, filtering vast amounts of data to generate actionable intelligence. "This AI module can actually help you rather than sitting with terabytes of data, give you intelligent outcomes," Rajvanshi explained. The need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been greater. In addition to extending warfare into cyberspace, military networks, satellite communications, and even encrypted command centers today need security assurances. Industry experts at Aero India 2025 underlined the growing importance of cybersecurity in defence strategy. As told to TOI, Jala Jamuna, senior deputy general manager at defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), said AI-driven solutions are being embedded into all modern defence systems to enhance operational security. "Every defence product we develop, we try to incorporate AI, from radar and weapon systems to naval operations. Our AI solutions in signals intelligence and target classification operate offline, ensuring confidentiality in sensitive military communications," she said. Adani is not just innovating, it is scaling. The company has already invested ₹5,000 crore in its defence ventures and plans to commit an additional billion dollars over the next four years. New production hubs are being established at Kanpur, Gwalior, Hyderabad, and Bangalore as Adani takes on a pivotal role in India's defence manufacturing ecosystem. The company is establishing one of the largest ammunition manufacturing facilities in India at Kanpur. It aims to produce 300 million rounds of small-calibre ammunition per year. The large-calibre artillery production will be initiated in the next five months, thus making India further self-reliant in its defence manufacturing. The event also featured Adani's advancements in drone warfare, including kamikaze loitering munitions designed for high-volume, low-cost production. The company is working with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to enhance electronic warfare capabilities, particularly in detecting and neutralising aerial threats. "The drone warfare which we are discussing and how do you have detection of nano, micro, mini drones coming from 17 to 20 kilometers and being neutralized either through electronic kill which is a jammer or through a hard kill working with chess, the laser kill, 800 meters is what we have showcased." Missile development was another key highlight. Adani has positioned itself as a major DRDO partner, working on projects ranging from short-range drones carrying precision-guided munitions to hypersonic missiles. The company is investing heavily in range extension kits to enhance bomb deployment capabilities up to 100 km. Expanding beyond drones and missiles, Adani Defence has made significant strides in ammunition production. A large-scale manufacturing complex in Kanpur is now operational, producing small, medium, and large-calibre ammunition. "300 million rounds of small caliber ammunition 5.56, 7.62 already operational in Kanpur being supplied to the international market," Rajvanshi stated. Large-calibre artillery production is set to begin within the next five months. In addition, Adani is developing next-generation surface-to-air missiles, including man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS) and naval missile systems designed for widespread deployment across ships and carriers. The company has also integrated AI-powered drones, capable of processing vast amounts of battlefield data in real time. "This AI module can actually help you rather than sitting with terabytes of data, give you intelligent outcome," Rajvanshi explained. Dr. B.K. Das, Director General (Electronics & Communication System), DRDO, added, "DRDO remains committed to developing indigenous, next-generation solutions in collaboration with the Indian industry to strengthen national security. We are confident that this system will play a pivotal role in securing key defence and civilian assets against the increasing threat posed by rogue drones." The launch of this system reinforces India's commitment to developing cutting-edge defence technologies indigenously, reducing reliance on imports, and bolstering national security. As unmanned aerial threats continue to evolve, the collaboration between Adani Defence & Aerospace and DRDO marks a significant milestone in advancing India's defence capabilities with world-class, homegrown solutions. While cybersecurity remains a focus area, Aero India 2025 also became an opportunity to demonstrate India's larger strides in indigenous defence manufacturing. The event included major exhibits, such as DRDO's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF), and next-generation missile systems. The seminar titled 'DRDO Industry Synergy towards Viksit Bharat: Make in India - Make for World' brought together industry leaders to discuss strategies for boosting defence exports. As part of Aero India 2025, DDP also appreciated indigenous innovations in the 'SAMARTHYA' event to felicitate key contributors towards developing advanced defense technologies. At Aero India 2025, cybersecurity assumes top priority as the decisive shift for India's defence priorities. The increasing role of cyber threats within modern warfare enables Adani Defence & Aerospace to take the leadership position in the development of AI-driven cyber defense solutions. The company is enabling India to form its future defense strategy through strong investments, strategic collaborations, and innovative edge while keeping military communications, electronic warfare, and intelligence networks secure on an increasingly complex digital battlefield. Adani is set to redefine India's defence capabilities in the context of AI-powered cybersecurity, perception management, and digital warfare. (The writer is at the event at the invitation of MKU Ltd.)

Aero India 2025 is All About Aatmanirbhar Bharat with DRDO's Next-Gen Tech

Defence minister Rajnath Singh declared that 2025 will be the 'Year of Reforms' for Indian defence. India's premier defence research organisation, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is making a powerful statement at Aero India 2025 with a showcase of indigenously developed cutting-edge technologies and systems. At the heart of the display is the full-scale model of India's first 5.5 Gen stealth aircraft, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), which symbolises the country's strides in advanced aviation technology. The India Pavilion, a testament to the Make-in-India initiative, brings together innovations from private industries, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), and start-ups. It displays over 330 products across 14 technology zones. DRDO's exhibit features state-of-the-art fighter aircraft models, advanced missile systems, and naval warfare technologies. The key highlights include the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF), the LCA-Mk2, the Kaveri Derivative Aero Engine, and the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR). In addition to its exhibition, DRDO is hosting a seminar titled 'DRDO Industry Synergy towards Viksit Bharat: Make in India - Make for World' to promote self-reliance and boost defence exports. Inauguration by Defence Minister Aero India 2025, Asia's largest air show, commenced on February 10 at the Air Force Station in Yelahanka, Bengaluru. The show focuses on technological advancements in the aerospace and defence sectors. The biennial event, organised by the Defence Exhibition Organisation under the defence ministry, brought together global aerospace leaders, defence strategists, and government officials. This year's event is being held under the theme 'The Runway to a Billion Opportunities', which underscores India's ambitions in aerospace and defence innovation. It was inaugurated by defence minister Rajnath Singh, who highlighted India's rapid advancements in defence technology, its growing industrial capabilities, and its vision for international collaboration. In his opening remarks, Singh emphasised that Aero India 2025 is not just a platform for showcasing technological innovation but also a bridge for strengthening global partnerships. "We often interact as buyers and sellers, where our relations are at a transactional level. However, at another level, we forge our partnership beyond the buyer-seller relationship to the level of industrial collaboration," Singh added, stressing security and stability. He declared that 2025 will be the 'Year of Reforms' for the Indian defence, emphasising that reforms will not only be limited to the government level but will involve active participation from the armed forces, defence PSUs, and private industry. Moreover, Singh highlighted India's growing role in global defence and urged long-term industrial collaborations beyond buyer-seller ties. He cited the Tata-Airbus C-295 aircraft project as a model for future cooperation. He highlighted India's commitment to defence exports and indigenous production and noted the sector's rapid growth. Notably, defence production is expected to exceed ₹1.60 lakh crore and exports ₹30,000 crore by 2025-26. With ₹6.81 lakh crore allocated in the Union Budget, India is emerging as a global hub for aerospace manufacturing. AI in the Exhibitions This year's Aero India exhibition was packed with high-tech displays and live demonstrations, offering a glimpse into India's evolving defence capabilities. The exhibition runs from February 10 to 14, with the first three days dedicated to business interactions and the final two days open to the general public. A key attraction at the air show is the MBC2 Swarm Drone System, an AI-powered drone swarming capability that represents India's growing expertise in autonomous aerial combat. The event also features an AI-powered mission planning and debriefing system, which uses real-time data analytics to enhance combat strategy and operational effectiveness. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has showcased quantum cryptography, 5G defence solutions, unmanned warfare technology, space situational awareness systems, and theatre command systems. Advanced communication technologies such as the Ku Band Exciter, direct RF signal processing, and Digital Light Engine (DLE) are also on display. AI-driven innovations include generative AI-powered virtual assistants, AI-based language translation tools, and speech analysis systems. The AI voice command system introduced at the event aims to improve operational efficiency and pilot decision-making by integrating advanced automation with aircraft controls. This initiative aligns with India's push towards self-reliance in defence technology and innovation. India Aims for Self-Sufficiency Aero India 2025 is setting the stage for India's technological leap in defence and aerospace. The showcase focuses on India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, which aims to reduce dependency on foreign technology while enhancing force multipliers for tri-service operations. The event also highlights India's growing defence electronics and radar technology. A major focus is on Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductor solutions, which are key to the development of next-generation radars and electronic warfare systems. Moreover, the D4 Radar Anti-Drone System, designed to counter emerging UAV threats, is generating significant interest among international defence buyers. The exhibition featured aerobatic displays by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and showcased cutting-edge technologies, including developments from Indian start-ups at the iDEX pavilion. In his inaugural speech, Singh cited the development of high-tech products such as the Astra missile, the New Generation Akash missile, and autonomous underwater vehicles as examples of India's growing capabilities. There has been a notable shift towards fully indigenous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), with manufacturers integrating advanced AI to enhance surveillance, efficiency, and navigation in challenging conditions. This movement aligns with the government's initiative to eliminate Chinese components from defence equipment. For instance, Delhi-based startup Enord showcased its Inspector Lite defence variant, a surveillance drone entirely free of Chinese parts. This 4.8-kg carbon fibre UAV features 'Ease Link' for operations beyond visual line of sight, a 'Surround Sense' detect-and-avoid system, onboard AI processing, real-time crowd detection, and swarm communication capabilities. Similarly, drone firm IdeaForge unveiled the NETRA 5, its latest surveillance drone equipped with dual payload systems. It uses AI-powered analytics to track people and objects and has GNS-denied operations, which allow it to return home even if jammed. Space-based Defence Applications The event also underscores India's growing strength in space-based defence applications. The Vikram 1 space launch vehicle signals progress in the private space sector, while the Garuda Mission's Miniaturised Multi-Payload Satellite advances tactical reconnaissance. GalaxEye, a Bengaluru-based aerospace startup, showcased 'Drishti Mission', the world's first multi-sensor SAR + MSI Earth observation satellite. The satellite delivers high-resolution all-weather imaging and is equipped with a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensor and a multispectral imaging (MSI) sensor. Alongside them, Pixxel showcased its Firefly constellation, demonstrating hyperspectral imaging for defence, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. On January 15 this year, Pixxel also launched the first three satellites of this Firefly constellation aboard SpaceX's Transporter-12 mission. The constellation offers the world's highest-resolution hyperspectral imaging. Aero India 2025 reinforces India's leadership in next-generation defence technology, fostering global collaboration and indigenous innovation. Other key events include the Defence Ministers' Conclave, the CEOs Roundtable, and the India and iDEX Pavilions, which highlight India's growing defence ecosystem. The event, which strongly focuses on AI, automation, and space-based defence, accelerates India's path to technological self-reliance. As it progresses, defence experts and policymakers see India strengthening global partnerships and advancing its role in aerospace innovation for a secure future.