The show will shed light on key aircraft acquisition programmes.
India’s defence ministry has announced the date of the 2027 Aero India show in Bengaluru, as the nation confronts vital airpower questions.
The show, held every two years, will run from 8 to 12 February, according to the ministry.
“Aero India is a premier international event showcasing the country’s growing capabilities in aerospace, defence manufacturing, emerging technologies and innovation,” it says.
“It provides a unique opportunity for business engagement, technology exchange, international collaboration and strategic dialogue, as well as demonstrating India’s growing defence industrial ecosystem and its expanding role in the global aerospace and defence sector.”
The show will be the first Aero India following the May 2025 conflict between India and Pakistan, in which the Indian air force is believed to have lost up to five aircraft: three Dassault Aviation Rafales, a RAC MiG-29, and a Sukhoi Su-30MKI.
The event should provide more clarity around key Indian acquisitions, including plans to obtain 114 additional Rafales, as well as the delivery status for Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft. Upgrade work for the Su-30MKI fleet may also be a focus area.
The event will also be closely monitored for indications about New Delhi’s plans to obtain stealth aircraft, particularly in the context of China’s fielding of large numbers of Chengdu J-20s as well as Pakistan’s plans to obtain the AVIC/Shenyang J-35.
For nearly two decades New Delhi has been working on the stealthy Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, but a prototype has yet to emerge, and any production aircraft is many years from service entry.
Collaborative Combat Aircraft could also feature at the show. At the 2021 Aero India event, HAL revealed the CATS (Combat Air Teaming System) concept, which could see uncrewed aircraft paired with the Tejas.
There are also persistent reports that New Delhi could obtain the Sukhoi Su-57 from Russia.
Embraer and Lockheed are also likely to have a major presence at the show, as they compete for the Medium Transport Aircraft tender, which could result in a historic acquisition of 60 aircraft. Embraer is promoting the C-390 tactical transport, and Lockheed the C-130J.
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