Putin: Russia will strengthen its leading positions in production of military aircraft

The MAKS-2015 international aviation and space show near Moscow remains an efficient venue despite the current political environment in the world, Russian President Vladimir Putin told an opening ceremony on Tuesday.

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

"Russia is open for the fruitful business-like cooperation in the aerospace industry," the Russian leader said.

Putin greeted the high-ranking foreign guests who are attending the show in Zhukovsky outside Moscow on Tuesday, as well as the representatives of states taking part in the event’s program.

The Russian leader said a range of "serious deals" will be signed during this year’s MAKS event, including on the supplies of the modern Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft.

The respective contracts will be inked with the participation of the State Transport Leading Company, the Yamal Airlines and Kazakhstan’s Scat Airlines, Putin added.

Russia will boost and strengthen its space and military aircraft equipment potential, Putin said.

"We will boost our country’s unique space capabilities and strengthen its leading positions in the production of military aircraft," Putin said, adding that modernisation of production facilities to improve the quality and characteristics of the products is carried out to this end.

Also, he said, Russia intends to actively promote Russian passenger and cargo aircraft on the domestic and foreign markets.

The MAKS-2015 aviation and space show will feature many advanced models of Russian aviation and space technology, the president said.