Best military, civilian aircraft on display as MAKS-2015 show takes off in Russia (PHOTOS)

The international biannual aerospace show at Zhukovsky Airfield in the Moscow Region has opened for experts on Tuesday, lasting from August 25-30. The MAKS-2015 air show is expected to attract at least 400,000 visitors.

Russia is set to actively promote homemade passenger and cargo aircraft on both the domestic and foreign markets, President Vladimir Putin said while launching the show Tuesday.

“I am convinced that regardless of the current international political environment, just as previously, MAKS will serve as an efficient venue for expert-level communication, for developing production cooperation and looking for new partners,” Putin said.

Some 760 companies from 27 countries (estimated 609 Russian and 151 foreign) are taking part in the event, while delegates from over 80 countries are planning to attend. More than 100,000 tickets for the general public have been already sold, organizers said.

MAKS flight exhibition performance was opened with a parade of 11 various types of helicopters produced in Russia, succeeded by stunts performed by military helicopters and fighter jets, including the upcoming 5G PAK-FA fighter that performed the most difficult maneuvers publicly for the first time ever.

Aerobatic teams Russian Knights, Swifts, Russian Falcons and Berkuts (Golden Eagles) are going to perform stunts through all six days of the exhibition.

As with the previous MAKS events, this year’s exhibition will witness the signing of a wide range of deals in both civilian and military aviation.

On Tuesday, the Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company signed an agreement with the State Transport Leasing Company (GTLK) to supply thirty two Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) aircraft to regional civil aviation companies.

“The contract with GTLK is the largest purchase order for the SSJ100 to date,” said the joint statement.

There are currently fifty-six SSJ100 aircraft operating in civil aviation, 20 of which fly with “Aeroflot,” the largest Russian airline.

Security at the event is being maintained by more than 3,000 police officers and law enforcement by troops from the Ministry of the Interior.