"The US Army has confirmed its participation in the biannual event. It will showcase its helicopters for static and flying display," Air Commodore Satish Pal Singh told reporters.

He added that US-based Lockheed Martin would showcase one or two F-16 fighters.

The Aero India show is billed as one of the largest air shows in South Asia.

About 200 firms from 25 countries are expected to display their products and technologies in the military and commercial sectors during the five-day show.

"Till date, 78 aviation and aerospace firms from different countries have confirmed their presence at the mega event. By January-end, we will have a complete list of participants and the representative countries," Singh said.

Top-of-the-line Russian fighter planes including Sukhois, MiG-29 and MiG-21 jets and transport aircraft will participate along with the French-built Mirage 2000 and several European commercial and business jets.

India's state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited will display its Light Combat Aircraft and helicopters.

"The event will serve as a platform for all the stakeholders in the aviation and aerospace industries serving the military and civilian markets," Singh said.

Gulf Stream, Dassault, Northrop Grumma, Tashkent Aviation Corporation, Raytheon, Bell Aviation, Embraer, Boeing and Airbus Industries have already confirmed they will take part.

The first Aero India show was held in 1996 and next year's expo will be the fifth.

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