Sunday, February 6 2005 11:50 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: With the modernisation and acquisition process in the Indian Armed forces in full swing, the country's major Defence expo, Aero India 2005, would see participation of 176 international armament majors including the largest ever presence by American companies.

The visitors to the three-day show in Bangalore from February 9 to 12 would see the Russians putting on display the SU-47, an experimental flying platform with the innovations to be incorporated in the fifth generation fighter aircraft.

The Americans are not lagging behind and would exhibit the giant C-130J Hercules Transport Aircraft, the long-range maritime reconnaissance upgraded version of the P3C Orions, the KC-135 Stratotanker and the F-15 E Strike Fighter.

The US aviation giant Lockheed-Martin is bringing these aircraft as part of efforts to win lucrative contracts from the Indian Air Force and Navy.

For the first time, a mock Sam 146 turbojet aircraft engine would be displayed by the Russian Sukhoi company which would also showcase its just launched regional jet, in which it has sought India's investment participation.

Israeli Aircraft Industries, Dassault and Thales from France, Eurofighter and Rolls Royce from UK as well companies from Italy, Poland and other countries are participating in the show.

According to Defence Ministry officials, over 350 companies, including many from India, would take part with products including aircraft, aircraft systems, armaments including air to air and air to ground missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.

The show would also witness daily air displays as well as static shows.

Indian companies would showcase Light Combat Aircraft, Advanced Light Helicopters, modified Chetaks, Intermediate Jet trainers as well as Hindustan Aeronautical Ltd-built SU-30MKI fighters.