AEDEX + AIRPORT 2026 To Showcase India’s Defence, Aviation Ambitions

CW Bureau ·

India will host global leaders from the defence, aerospace, aviation and airport infrastructure sectors at AEDEX + AIRPORT 2026, a three-day international exhibition and conference scheduled from September 10 to 12 at Yashobhoomi, India International Convention & Expo Centre (IICC), New Delhi.

The event is expected to bring together policymakers, defence manufacturers, aerospace companies, airport developers, technology providers, investors and research organisations as India strengthens its position as a global manufacturing and technology hub.

Government-backed initiative
Supported by the Ministries of Civil Aviation, Commerce & Industry, MSME, DRDO, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), CSIR, and the Make in India and Startup India initiatives, the event aims to promote business partnerships, technology collaboration and investment across the aerospace, defence and airport ecosystem.

Sector on a high-growth trajectory
The organisers said the exhibition comes at a time when India’s aerospace and defence sector is witnessing rapid expansion, driven by policy reforms, increased capital expenditure and growing private sector participation. The market is projected to reach $70 billion by 2030, creating significant opportunities for domestic and international companies.

The recently approved Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme is also expected to accelerate indigenous defence manufacturing, advanced research and public-private collaboration under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Global participation
The exhibition will feature leading Indian organisations, including Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Kochi International Airport and DGQA, alongside participants from countries including Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, the UAE and the US.

Technology showcase
Visitors will witness a wide range of technologies spanning military aviation, defence electronics, avionics, unmanned aerial systems, counter-drone technologies, artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, aerospace components, airport technologies, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), advanced materials and next-generation defence manufacturing solutions.

Business and networking opportunities
The event will feature high-level conferences, strategic knowledge sessions, buyer-seller meets, B2B networking programmes, international pavilions and a dedicated Start-up and Innovation Pavilion. These platforms are expected to facilitate technology transfer, joint ventures, investment opportunities and collaborative research across the defence and aerospace value chain.

Exhibitors will also have the opportunity to engage with defence procurement agencies, armed forces, global buyers and policymakers while gaining insights into evolving procurement policies and indigenisation programmes.

Platform for MSMEs and startups
According to Society of Indian Aerospace Technologies & Industries (SIATI) President Dr Abhay A Pashilkar, the event will provide MSMEs, startups and established companies with a unique platform to connect with global stakeholders, showcase innovations and expand their business opportunities.

About the organizers
AEDEX + AIRPORT 2026 is being organised by the Society of Indian Aerospace Technologies & Industries (SIATI), India’s premier industry body promoting collaboration among aerospace, defence, research and technology organisations, in association with TAFCON, one of the country’s leading professional exhibition organisers.

The organisers expect the event to reinforce India’s emergence as a globally competitive hub for aerospace, defence manufacturing and aviation infrastructure while supporting the country’s vision of becoming a trusted global defence technology partner.