Bangalore, Dec. 24 (PTI): The United States will display its frontline fighter F-16 for the first time in the coming Aero India international air show, beginning here on February nine, as Indian authorities are gearing up for making the aero event, one of the best in Asia.

Several American aerospace firms like Lockheed Martin, Northrop and Boeing Corp will display their products to make a significant presence in Aero India after the US sanctions imposed in the wake of the 1998 Pokhran blasts were lifted in 2002.

"We are going to have an American presence, they were not here in the previous two air shows. That is the big change actually (in this show)," IAF's Yelahanka Air Base commandant Air Commodore S P Singh told reporters here during the preview on the preparations for the mega five-day event.

The US will also display its maritime surveillance aircraft Orion PC-3, which it is planning to sell to both India and Pakistan, while the US Army will bring a helicopter. "Seventyeight aviation companies from 25 countries have confirmed participation in the event," Singh said. India will showcase its aircraft design capabilities in the three home-grown aircraft -- Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas and the Intermediate Jet Trainer, while IAF will have display of its famed Surya Kiran aerobatic and Saran helicopter aerobatic team.

Air Force Chiefs of 12 countries including China, Egypt, Japan, Sweden, Vietnam and Germany have confirmed taking part in the event, organised to showcase India's prowess in the aviation field.