Russia cancels major air show again amid security concerns
The Russians have cancelled the International Aviation and Space Salon MAKS for the second time, held at Zhukovsky International Airport. The reasons cited are security concerns and a potential drone attack. Russian President Vladimir Putin regularly appeared at the MAKS shows, ceremonially indulging in ice cream.
Sources from Kommersant claim the shows were cancelled "for security reasons." One of the publication's interlocutors said, "It is probably possible to enhance security measures, but the use of electronic warfare against potential drone threats would interfere with the flight program and wouldn't make much sense."
Russians fear an attack. Events canceled
The International Aviation and Space Salon exhibits aviation and space technology and scientific achievements in aircraft construction. It has been held since 1993 in Zhukovsky at the Ramenskoye Airport of the Gromov Flight Research Institute. The Ministry of Industry and Trade and the state corporation Rostec organize the event.
As Meduza recalls, the air show was initially supposed to take place in 2023 but was postponed to 2024. "For the first time in the 30-year history of the air shows, the organizers refused to hold MAKS," it reads. As sources emphasize, the organizers avoided the word "cancellation."
A tradition of indulging in ice cream
The last time Putin appeared at the events was in 2021. During this time, it became a tradition that he and his entourage indulged in ice cream. "This time, the treat was brought in a pink case just as the flight program was being watched," the 360.ru portal described.
Putin was accompanied by ministers, business people, and entrepreneurs. In 2021, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also appeared at the events.
