Russia's air show cancellation highlights aviation crisis
Russia cancelled the air show near Moscow due to a lack of aircraft and concerns about drone attacks from Ukraine, reports the Interfax agency. The decision was influenced by a spectacular Ukrainian operation targeting Russian strategic bombers.
Russia decided to cancel another edition of the air show in Zhukovsky, near Moscow. According to the Interfax agency, this decision results from a lack of aircraft to showcase and concerns about potential drone attacks from Ukraine. Before the war, the air show featured major global manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus, but currently only Russian manufacturers remain on the exhibition grounds.
Russia is afraid. It cancels an important event
Russian airlines are struggling with a lack of new aircraft, forcing them to use 60-year-old airplanes. Flagship projects, such as the MS-21 and SJ-100 jets, have still not been realized. Western sanctions prevent the delivery of parts and technology, which further complicates the situation. However, the recent spectacular Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian strategic bombers proved decisive. "The decision to close the air show is also dictated by safety concerns, specifically the fear of Ukrainian drone attacks," emphasized a source from the Interfax agency.
After the outbreak of the war and the imposition of sanctions, Russia announced an ambitious program to revive the domestic aviation industry. The Kremlin declared that by 2030, airlines would receive over a thousand domestic airplanes. However, the reality turned out to be different. In three years, only five aircraft have been produced.
"When this program was announced, all industry experts and engineers shook their heads at those who came up with it," said Oleg Smirnov, chairman of the Civil Aviation Commission of Rostransnadzor.
Russia faces many challenges in the aviation sector. Lack of access to Western components, the necessity to produce for the military, and a lack of funds for the development of civil aviation are just some of the problems. "It's clear to everyone that 1,000 airplanes require 2,000 engines. Where can I get them?" Smirnov asks, pointing out the difficulties in realizing the Kremlin's ambitious plans.
