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Russian aviation show opens under clouds
2009-08-18
ZHUKOVSKY, Russia (AFP) - Russia's top aviation show opened Tuesday with the annual extravaganza of aerial acrobatics and self-promotion muted by the industry's difficulties and the death of a fighter jet ace. The Russian aerospace industry has already been hit hard by the economic crisis but a long shadow has been cast by the death of the commander of the air force's aerial stunt team in a mid-air collision in practice for the event. "Today is the celebration for those who like aviation but we start our event on a sad and tragic note," Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said as he declared the event open. His voice heavy with emotion, Putin ordered a minute of silence for the memory of Igor Tkachenko, commander of the country's celebrated Russian Knights aerobatic team. Two of the three crew members on board the two Sukhoi Su-27 fighters managed to eject from the planes before they collided in the accident, which was a major embarrassment for the air force. In his speech, Putin declared that the aviation industry was vital for Russia's future, saying: "It's exactly by developing the aerospace industry that we can fulfill our objective of diversifying the economy." In a meeting later on the domestic aerospace industry, Putin did not spare his words in criticising the shortcomings of the sector in Russia. "Without aviation, the Russian economy has no future and it is impossible to have defence capability without modern equipment," he added. "But this does not mean that these ideas will cover badly organised work and a lack of discipline." "We understand well that the situation is difficult and that your competitors have direct help from the side of their governments. But firstly you should not repeat stupid mistakes. You need to work effectively yourselves." Moscow is keen to turn the Moscow International Aviation and Space salon (MAKS) into a leading international commercial aviation event and it also helps showcase Russia's aerial military prowess.
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