Russia cancels Moscow air show amid drone attack fears
Russia cancelled the air show near Moscow due to a shortage 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 arises 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. Currently, however, only Russian manufacturers remain on the exhibition grounds.
Russia is afraid. It cancels an important event
Russian airlines are struggling with a shortage of new aircraft, forcing them to use aircraft up to 60 years old. Flagship projects, such as the MS-21 and SJ-100 jets, have still not come to fruition. Western sanctions prevent the delivery of parts and technology, complicating the situation further. 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," emphasised a source from the Interfax agency.
After the outbreak of the war and the imposition of sanctions, Russia announced an ambitious programme to revive the domestic aviation industry. The Kremlin declared that by 2030, airlines would receive over one thousand domestic aircraft. However, the reality has turned out to be different. In three years, only five aircraft have been produced.
"When this programme was announced, all industry experts and engineers shook their heads at those who devised 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 aircraft require 2,000 engines. Where can I get them?" Smirnov asks, highlighting the difficulties in realising the Kremlin's ambitious plans.
