PICS: Bangalore hosts Asia's GRANDEST air show

Aero India, the largest air show in Asia and one of the world's most important military aviation exhibitions, is all set to kick-start at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bangalore, from February 6 to 11.

This biennial air show and aviation exhibition organised by the defence ministry along  with the Indian Air Force, the Defence Research and Development Organisation, the department of space and union civil aviation ministry, aims at showcasing the range of products and services offered by the Indian Defence Industry in the international market, a press release said.

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Aero India also provides an exposure to the Indian Armed Forces, R&D personnel and young engineers to latest technologies and advancements in the aviation and aerospace industries, release said.

The ninth edition of Aero India would be inaugurated by Defence Minister A K Antony on February 6. The participation in Aero India has grown exponentially by both Indian and international industry since the first edition in Dec 1996.

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"This growth has immensely contributed towards modernisation of the aviation and aerospace sector of the three wings of the armed forces of India", the release added.

While Aero India 2011 saw the participation from 29 countries with more than 600 companies and gross exhibition area of 75,000 Sqm, the ninth edition is expected to see participation of over 700 companies and 78 overseas delegations, covering an approximate gross exhibition area of 1,25,000 Sqm.

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Major participant companies are from United States, Israel, Russia, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, Bulgaria, Italy, Norway, Ukraine, Australia, Belarus, Czech Republic, Japan, Austria, Singapore, Switzerland, South Africa, Spain, Brazil, Canada, Romania, the Netherlands, Sweden and United Arab Emirates.

This edition would see participation of the world famous aerobatic team from Czech Republic popularly known as 'Flying Bulls' or 'Red Bulls', the Russian Air Force aerobatic team 'Russian Knights' and Indian Air Force 'Sarang' helicopter aerobatic display team comprising indigenous Dhruv helicopters.

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This edition has seen a large increase in participation by medium and small Indian and foreign industries, it said. The maximum participants from any single country is from the USA, followed by France, the UK, Russia, Germany, Israel and Belgium.

A total of 27 countries are participating with 10 country pavilions namely Belgium, Bulgaria, Italy, Israel, Russia, Germany, France, USA, UK and Ukraine.

Layered security would be provided by state police and specialised security agencies, including DSC, CISF, Para SF and GARUD commandos. A comprehensive security plan with Counter Terrorism Squads, Bomb Disposal Squad and CCTV surveillance is put in place.

Likewise, a comprehensive disaster management plan has been put in place, to cater for various contingencies.

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