Farnborough Shuts Doors On Russian Military Aircraft

Russia will not be able to showcase its military prowess during the upcoming Farnborough airshow to be held from 15 July to 20 July 2016.

Reliable sources told defenseworld.net Tuesday that Russian companies such as United Aircraft Corporation and Rosoboronexport will not be allowed to display their warplanes during the Farnborough airshow to be held in the U.K next month.

The organizers have asked to keep  warplanes and assault helicopters used by Russia in the Syrian conflict away from the airshow due to the European Union sanctions against Russia over the annexation of Crimea.Russia will however be left to showcase civilian aircraft during the airshow, the sources said.

Russia was hoping to match the F-35 which is expected to make its first major air show debut at Farnborough with its own Su-35, its most advanced fighter aircraft to date. Besides, it was expected to bring the Su-34, Su-30 and Su-24 and attach helicopters from the Mi and KA series to the event to attract buyers.

Farnborough is considered a huge shopping mall where military aircraft manufacturers display their best aircraft to attract the considerable number of military delegations which attend the event to see the latest in the world of airborne weapons.

“We might have to wait for one more year, probably the Paris Air show to see the same traction as at Farnborough,” said the source. Russian companies of late have been targeting smaller events in Asia, Latin America and the Middle East for more closer interaction with potential customers.