Russia cancels aviation show again amid security concerns and drone threats
The Russians have cancelled the MAKS International Aviation and Space Salon for the second time. It was supposed to take place at Zhukovsky International Airport. The reasons cited are security issues and the possible threat of drone attacks. Russian President Vladimir Putin regularly made ceremonial appearances at the MAKS shows, enjoying ice cream.
Kommersant sources claim the shows were cancelled "due to security reasons." - "Strengthening security measures is probably possible, but using electronic warfare against potential drone threats would interfere with the flight programme and wouldn’t make much sense," said one of the publication’s interlocutors.
The Russians fear an attack. The event has been cancelled
The International Aviation and Space Salon is an exhibition of aviation and space technology, as well as scientific achievements in aircraft construction. It has been held since 1993 in the city of Zhukovsky at the Ramenskoye Airport of the Gromov Flight Research Institute. The Ministry of Industry and Trade and the state corporation Rostec organise the event.
As Meduza recalls, the air shows were originally scheduled for 2023 but were postponed to 2024. "For the first time in the 30-year history of the air shows, the organisers refused to hold MAKS," it reads. As sources highlight, organisers avoid the term "cancellation."
Ice cream tradition
The last time Putin attended the event was in 2021. It has become a tradition for him to enjoy ice cream with his entourage at the event. "This time, the treat was brought in a pink case just as he was watching the flight programme," the portal 360.ru described.
Putin was accompanied by ministers, businessmen, and entrepreneurs. In 2021, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also appeared at the event.
