"We galvanised entire defence sector": Rajnath Singh at Curtain Raiser event

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], February 9 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said the government has galvanised the entire defence sector, especially the aerospace sector, where it has been made possible to produce fighter jets like Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and LCA Prachand in India.
Addressing a curtain raiser event for Aero India 2025, Singh said that India was not merely designing or developing major equipment in the country, but has also been able to develop a supply chain for the same.
"Under the visionary leadership of PM Modi, we have galvanised the entire defence sector, especially the aerospace sector like never before. Today we are not only capable of designing and developing major platforms and equipment within India, but we have also successfully established a vast supply chain within the country. LCA Tejas and LCA Prachand are being produced in India," the Defence Minister said.
Singh visited the production facility of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru earlier in the day to attend Aero India 2025, scheduled to be held on February 10 and will conclude on February 14.
After arriving at HAL Airport, Singh visited the state-of-the-art Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) MK1A production facility of HAL. The Tejas Mk1A is an advanced version of the LCA Mk1, enhanced to improve combat efficiency.
The Defence Minister said that the event will feature representatives from more than 90 countries. Of 900 exhibitors participating in the program, 150 will be foreign exhibitors, Singh added.
"This event features participation from over 900 exhibitors, including around 150 foreign exhibitors, with representatives from more than 90 countries. This grand gathering stands as a testament to the growing global confidence in India's aerospace and defence capabilities," Singh said.
Speaking about the private defence industry in India, the Defence Minister credited it with making significant contributions to the country's national security.
"The country has a thriving private defence industry that has firmly established itself and is making significant contributions to our national security...I am delighted to share that this edition has exceeded all our expectations," Singh said, adding, "I am delighted to share with you that today India's aerospace industry is advancing at a rapid pace."
The preparations are in full swing for the 15th edition of the biennial event promises to be a spectacular showcase of the latest advancements in aerospace technology.
One of the highlights of the show is the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior, a full-scale engineering demonstrator that is on display at the India Pavilion.
The CATS Warrior is a cutting-edge system that is designed to enhance the combat capabilities of the Indian Air Force.
The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to take centre stage at Aero India 2025, showcasing its indigenous products and technologies at the India Pavilion, said the state-owned aerospace and defence company.
The five-day event will feature HAL's Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) and the CATS Warrior as the main attractions. (ANI)