Defence Minister inaugurates Aero India 2019 show in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Feb 20: After the tragic Suryakiran jet crash, the 12th edition of Asia's premier Air show 'Aero India-2019' took off at Yelahanka air force station on Wednesday. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the biennial event.

In the five-day long event 61 metal birds, including HAL's indigenous products Light Combat Aircraft Tejas all set to roar in the city skies. The event, which will showcase India's air defence prowess, will also act as a platform for aviation companies, the defence sector and government to forge new alliances and contracts.

This edition of Aero India was marked by controversy with reports about it being shifted to Uttar Pradesh,which had taken a political colour, as the Congress-JD(S)led government in the state had hit out at the BJP led Centre against the alleged move.

Union Minister Suresh Prabhu, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, and defence officials were present at the inauguration of Aero India 2019.

Atmosphere gets electrified here at Air Force Station, Yelahanka Bangalore as #AeroIndia2019 inauguration is going to start in a shortwhile.
Tune into @DDNational to watch live from 9.00am.#AeroIndiaBegins@nsitharaman @MoCA_GoI @DrSubhashMoS @IAF_MCC @adgpi @indiannavy pic.twitter.com/4cfGGFOjJN

— Aero India 2019 (@AeroIndiashow) February 20, 2019

Surya Kiran Team:

Indian Air Force's Surya Kiran jets won't participate in the inaguration due to the loss of two aircraft and one pilot on Tuesday in a mid-air collision during rehearsal. The aircraft were ween with canopies covered on runway behind the inaugural venue, according to news agency ANI.

Bengaluru: IAF's Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team Aircraft standing with their canopies covered on runway behind the inaugural venue of #AeroIndia2019. The aircraft won’t participate in it due to the loss of two aircraft and one pilot yesterday in a mid-air collision during rehearsal. pic.twitter.com/96u9j5eTHZ

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2019

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(With PTI inputs)