UNI

Bangalore, Feb 8: The Indian Air Force displayed its superior air power, even as the world's top aircraft manufacturers vied with each other showcasing their modern machines in a bid to win India's multirole combat aircraft order in Aero India 2007, the biggest military aviation event in Asia which began here on Wednesday.

The Yelahanka airbase of IAF on the outskirts of the city reverberated to the thundering sound of the war machines as India lined up its flying machines, both indigenously produced and those procured from other countries. The Surya Kiran aerobatic team enthralled the visitors, which included top officials from the three defence wings as well as a host of foreign dignitaries.

The flying display began with three Mi-8 helicopters carrying the ensign, which included the national tri-colour and the Air Force colours, flying past the huge gathering, with Defence Minister A K Antony, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Minister of State for Defence Pallam Raju seated in the front row.

This was followed by a unique combination of an ALH Dhruv, two Kiran jet trainers and two multirole Sukhoi-30 MKI fighters flying past in a pattern. Then came a group of indigenous Saras passenger aircraft. The IAF's workhorse AN-32 cargo aircraft, accompanied by two small Dornears, then came on the horizon, which was followed by the newly developed Intermediate Jet Trainers (IJT), which would replace the ageing Kirans.

The 142-M anti-submarine and reconnaissance aircraft caught the attention of the viewers with its huge rotars, while a group of one IL-78 and two Mirage-2000 deep penetration fighters refuelling mid-air won much accolades.

Jaguar fighters, known as Shamshers due to their agility, made its presence felt. Then came the much-awaited Tejas Light Combat Aircraft developed by the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd in Bangalore.