New Delhi, Jan 21 (IANS): The ninth edition of Aero India will be held Feb 6-10 at Bangalore with over 53 civil and military aircraft from leading manufacturers across the globe expected to participate in the event, an official said Monday.

"I hope it will be bigger show compared to earlier editions... We are getting support from various stakeholders. Hope it will turn out to be very good show," Secretary (Defence Production) R.K. Mathur told reporters here.

Mathur said China has been invited but no had been received confirmation as yet.

He said the aero show provides an ideal window of opportunity to companies to not only network with Indian industries but also benefit from the sharing of expertise in research and development and product support with other global players.

"The show has its own merits for development of defence industry in the country," Mathur said.

Aerobatic teams from India, Russia and the Czeh Republic will take part in the event.

He said leading engineering colleges from the country would display designs of their students.

Mathur said that so far participation of 53 aircraft in the event has been confirmed. However, he said more confirmations were expected. "We expect the number to be higher than the last year." Aero India-2011 had featured 63 aircraft.

The official said of the aircraft participating, 55 percent were civilian.

Mathur said business done due to Aero India shows had led "to offsets of Rs.19,000 crore". He said business opportunities of Rs.14,000 crore have already been generated for the private sector. Since 2006, all defence deals above Rs.300 crore require the vendors to reinvest 30 percent in India's defence industry

Aero India is a biennial air show held at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bangalore and aims to bring under one roof exhibitors from around the globe to showcase the best in aviation.

India is projected to become the third largest defence spender after the US and China. The total defence capital budget in 12th Five Year Plan is estimated to be Rs.4,45,500 crore with capital acquisition budget ranging up to 85 percent on average.