- A Vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat for the World at Le Bourget
By Sangeeta Saxena
Le Bouget, Paris. 19 June 2025. India and France share a deep-rooted defence relationship, and DRDO plays a crucial role in enhancing it. From technology collaboration in missile systems to sharing research in aerospace platforms, the Indo-French ties continue to grow stronger. DRDO’s participation in the Paris Air Show 2025, marks a significant step toward strategic alignment and technological synergy between the two nations.
This is the Paris Air Show 2025 and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) made its debut showcasing its airborne technologies alongside major defence PSUs and industrial corridors. In an exclusive interaction with Aviation & Defence Universe (ADU), Scientist E Dheeraj Mishra from DRDL Hyderabad and Scientist E Shyam Sundar Meena discussed DRDO’s participation, the technologies displayed, key takeaways from global exhibitors, and the growing Indo-French collaboration in defence.
DRDO’s first-time showcase at the Paris Air Show 2025 marked a significant step in expanding India’s defence R&D footprint on the global stage. With a focus on air-to-air missile systems, airborne platforms, and next-gen technology aspirations, DRDO demonstrated its commitment to self-reliance and international collaboration. Team DRDO reiterated the importance of such expos as learning and strategic benchmarking platforms, reaffirming India’s readiness to lead in defence innovation.
ADU. This is DRDO’s first time at the Paris Air Show. What technologies are you showcasing?
Dheeraj Mishra. Yes, this is our first participation at Paris Air Show. We are showcasing DRDO’s capabilities, especially those that are now open for international collaboration. Previously, DRDO’s scope was limited to Indian defence services, but now we are showcasing technologies that can be exported through our production partners like BDL, BEL, and HAL. We are here to explain technical details of these systems for international stakeholders.
ADU. What specific systems or models are on display?
Dheeraj Mishra. We are showcasing our aircraft and missile technologies, particularly the Astra Mk 1 and Mk 2 air-to-air missiles. This is just a representative case. DRDO has a wide portfolio of weapon systems, but since this is an air show, we focused on air-to-air capabilities.
ADU. What were your observations about the international displays here?
Dheeraj Mishra. We saw some fascinating technologies, such as missile systems and UAV platforms. These innovations are worth studying. We try to gather technical insights—particularly about propulsion and propellant developments—even though information is often limited. Still, we try to learn what we can and will brief our leadership for potential collaborations or upgrades.
ADU. Were there any technologies that particularly impressed you?
Shyam Sundar Meena. We observed several new air-borne platforms, UAVs, and other aircraft-related technologies. DRDO’s display at this air show focused on aeronautical technologies like the LCA Mk 2, AWACS, Astra missile, and our other technologies. These highlight our R&D progress in air warfare systems.
ADU. What do you consider the key learning from this international event?
Dheeraj Mishra. The Paris Air Show is invaluable for one-on-one interactions with core technical experts. It’s a learning platform, offering both benchmarking and awareness. We also realized that in many areas, DRDO is at par or even ahead of international peers. Still, it’s important to stay updated and not work in isolation. Technology is evolving rapidly—not in decades, but in days now.
ADU. What message do you have for your peers back home?
Shyam Sundar Meena. Our participation in Paris has shown us the importance of continuous learning and exposure. Future-defining technologies are being showcased, and we must align our strategies with global developments. DRDO must continue participating in such platforms to stay ahead
ADU. What is the significance of DRDO’s participation at the Paris Air Show 2025?
Shyam Sundar Meena. Our participation at Paris Air Show 2025 is more than just an exhibition. It reflects India’s growing stature as a defence technology powerhouse and provides us with an international platform to benchmark our systems, engage with top aerospace companies, and forge new partnerships. For us, it’s a critical opportunity to explore co-development, innovation, and export avenues.
ADU. Could you walk us through some of the major systems that DRDO is showcasing at the event?
Shyam Sundar Meena. Certainly. We are proud to present some of India’s most advanced defence technologies. DRDO’s showcase at the Paris Air Show 2025 highlights India’s growing defence prowess through a range of cutting-edge systems. The Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Mk-II is a highly agile, delta-winged multirole fighter equipped with advanced avionics and increased payload, tailored for network-centric warfare. The Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) system enhances battlefield awareness with 360-degree radar coverage and real-time surveillance, serving as a critical force multiplier. The Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance (MRMR) aircraft, based on the Airbus C-295 platform, provides robust maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities for the Indian Navy. India’s first indigenous beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, the Astra BVRAAM, allows engagements of up to 100 km, empowering pilots with superior stand-off capability. The Helina Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM), integrated on the Advanced Light Helicopter, is a fire-and-forget system capable of destroying enemy armour at distances up to 7 km. The Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) Swathi offers high-precision detection of enemy artillery and mortar positions, enabling swift counterattacks. Finally, the SHYEN surveillance payloads for the Dornier aircraft combine maritime radar, electro-optical/infrared sensors, and electronic support systems to bolster India’s reconnaissance capabilities.
ADU. How do these systems reflect DRDO’s capabilities in terms of self-reliance and indigenous defence manufacturing?
Dheeraj Mishra. Each of these systems has been conceptualized, designed, and developed indigenously. They showcase our technological maturity and our ability to develop mission-critical systems across air, land, and sea domains. These are not just prototypes; many are operational, deployed, and ready for export—demonstrating India’s readiness to support its own defence forces and those of partner nations.
ADU. What does this presence mean for India’s ties with France, especially in defence cooperation?
Shyam Sundar Meena. France is one of India’s most trusted defence partners. Our collaboration with French defence companies spans areas like fighter jets, engines, radars, and missiles. Participation in the Paris Air Show enhances this strategic partnership by providing an avenue for joint R&D, industrial cooperation, and high-technology transfer.
ADU. How does DRDO view India’s evolving role in the global defence industry?
Dheeraj Mishra. India is on a steady path to becoming a major defence manufacturing hub. We are no longer only consumers of defence technology—we’re creators and exporters. DRDO’s role is to innovate for India and also contribute to global security by offering cost-effective, high-quality defence systems. Our growing number of partnerships with friendly nations is a testament to this new role.
ADU. What message does DRDO aim to convey through its Paris 2025 participation?
Shyam Sundar Meena. We want the world to see India as a serious, credible player in the defence sector. Every product on display—from Tejas Mk-II to Swathi radar—symbolizes our commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat and our ability to deliver world-class solutions. Paris Air Show 2025 is a platform to reinforce our international collaborations and showcase India’s defence innovation journey.
DRDO’s presence at Paris Air Show 2025 marks a significant milestone in India’s defence diplomacy and technological evolution. As the world witnesses India’s capability—from missiles to radars and fighter jets—it becomes evident that DRDO is not just keeping pace with global trends but actively shaping the future of defence. Through its collaboration with countries like France and its push for innovation and exports, DRDO is carving a space for India as a strategic, self-reliant force in the global defence ecosystem.
