Billed as the biggest event of its kind in South Asia, the Aero India 2005 took off in style at the Yelahanka Air Force Station on the outskirts of Bangalore on Wednesday.

More than 300 global aviation firms from 31 countries showcased their hardware in India's hi-tech capital.

The United States, Britain, France, Russia, Israel, China and Malaysia are among the heavyweights participating in the five-day event.

About 80 aircraft including the Sukhoi 30 MK-I, Jaguars, Mirage 2000, the US F-15 Eagle, India's home grown Tejas, the Light Combat Aircraft and the Intermediate Jet Trainer displayed their prowess at the scintillating air show on the opening day.

Indian Air Force's Suryakiran aerobatics team takes a bow at the inaugural function.

Photographs: INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP/Getty Images

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