In Pics: Aero India 2013 takes to the skies

The ninth edition of the biennial Aero India took off on Wednesday on a "flying" note with a stunning display of fighters, choppers and transport aircraft at the Indian Air Force (IAF) Yelahanka base on Bangalore's outskirts.

On a bright sunny day under a clear sky, Defence Minister A.K. Antony flagged off the five-day international event in the presence of foreign delegations, envoys, diplomats, service personnel and other dignitaries from across the country and abroad.

Billed as the largest event of its kind in South Asia, the international expo on aerospace, defence and civil aviation is showcasing the latest products and technologies through 650 exhibitors from 27 nations, including Belgium, UK, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Russia and Ukraine.