Aero India 2019: Slain Surya Kiran pilot honoured with 'missing man' formation, other highlights

On the inaugural day and first of three business days, only a thin crowd of aviation enthusiasts watched the drama unfolding in the skies.

The biennial edition of International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition - Aero India 2019 was inaugurated by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the presence of Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy. (Photo | EPS) 

A two-minute silence was observed at the start of the event, to mourn the death of Wing Commander Sahil Gandhi. Sahil died on Tuesday morning after his Hawk aircraft had a mid-air collision with another aircraft of the Suryakiran team while performing a high-risk stunt manoeuvre during the full dress rehearsal on Tuesday morning. (Photo | EPS)

On the inaugural day and first of three business days, only a thin crowd of aviation enthusiasts watched the drama unfolding in the skies. (Photo | EPS)

Metal Birds manouevers during the inauguration of the 12th edition of Aero India 2019 air show at Yelahanka airbase in Bengaluru on Wednesday. (Photo | EPS)

The flypast and thrilling manoeuvres by MIG 21, Sarang team, Saras PT1, Embraer along with Sukhoi, Boeing P8I, LCA Tejas, HTT40, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, LUH, F-16 Fighting Falcon, Airbus 330 and the mighty B-52 Stratofortress bomber, among others. (Photo | EPS)

Enthralling stunts were performed by Sarang aerobatics teams with daredevil crosses and spins, that has been the mainstay of Aero India for many editions. The air display began with vintage Dakota aircraft, followed by formations of Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv and Light Utility Helicopter, DO-228, Hawk and HTT40 aircraft. (Photo | EPS)

The event will see five themes for each day with a special focus on CEO’s round table where Heads of 24 defence manufacturing giants from eight countries, including France, Israel, Russia, Germany and India will participate. (Photo | EPS)

On static display among other things at the air show are HAL's Light Utility Helicopter(PT-1), Light Combat Helicopter (TD-2), Advanced Light Helicopter (Rudra) and ALH MICU (Medical Intensive CareUnit). The Aero India official website said a total of 61 aircraft would be on display and 403 exhibitors would be part of the show. (Photo | EPS)

Medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile defense system Akash at Yelahanka airbase in Bengaluru. (Photo | EPS)