- Title: Russian air force shows off aerobatic teams
- Date: 21st May 2016
- Summary: KUBINKA, MOSCOW REGION, RUSSIA (MAY 21, 2016) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF PEOPLE QUEUING FOR AIR SHOW PLANE FROM STRIZHI (SWIFTS) AEROBATIC GROUP IN AIR PEOPLE WATCHING PLANES IN AIR RADARS AEROBATIC TEAM IN AIR JET IN AIR JET LANDING JET AND HELICOPTERS IN AIR PERFORMING STUNTS WOMAN TAKING PICTURES JETS IN AIR PERFORMING STUNTS SOLDIER ON TARMAC AEROBATIC TEAM IN AIR PEOPLE WATCHING (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) LOCAL RESIDENT, GALINA, SAYING: "I am impressed by everything - piloting, beautiful stunts, fireworks. It's all very impressive. I live here and see them every day, but the impression is still great." (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) ALEXEI, SPECTATOR, SAYING: "The impressions are unforgettable. Helicopters! Jets! Russia! Our air force is simply the best!" HELICOPTER IN AIR PEOPLE WATCHING, TAKING PICTURES VARIOUS OF AEROBATIC TEAM IN AIR PEOPLE STANDING NEXT TO PLANE, WATCHING PLANE ON TARMAC COMMANDER OF RUSSIAN AEROSPACE DEFENCE FORCE, VIKTOR BONDAREV, TALKING TO MEDIA (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) COMMANDER OF RUSSIAN AEROSPACE DEFENCE FORCE, VIKTOR BONDAREV, SAYING: "I believe we have achieved certain success and the army, the aerospace defence force, have demonstrated their capabilities. (REPORTER ASKING OFF-CAMERA: 'AND WHAT DID THE OPERATION IN SYRIA SHOW?') I believe it has shown to the whole world that it is possible to fight villains and to put things right there, thanks to aviation." WOMAN WAVING HAND FROM PLANE PEOPLE WALKING ON TARMAC PEOPLE WALKING, BOY TOUCHING PART OF PLANE
- Embargoed: 5th June 2016 17:55
- Keywords: Russia air force Russian Knights air show jets stunts
- Location: KUBINKA, MOSCOW REGION, RUSSIA
- City: KUBINKA, MOSCOW REGION, RUSSIA
- Country: Russia
- Topics: Conflicts/War/Peace
- Reuters ID: LVA0014IR2XC7
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Russian Aerospace Defence Force held an air show on Saturday (May 21) to mark the 25th anniversary of the creation of the country's elite aerobatic team 'Russian Knights'.
The team is well-known for its spectacular stunts and took part in many international air shows since it was created in 1991.
The show took place at Kubinka air base, 60 kilometres west of Moscow, where both Russian elite aerobatic teams - Russian Knights and Strizhy (Swifts) - are based.
Russian SU-30CM, SU-35C, MIG-29 and SU-27 fighter jets, MIG-31 supersonic interceptor aircraft, SU-24 bombers and Mi-28N, Mi-26 and Ka-52 helicopters entertained the audience with spectacular stunts.
Over a thousand people braved the rainy weather to see the show.
"I am impressed by everything - piloting, beautiful stunts, fireworks. It's all very impressive. I live here and see them every day, but the impression is still great," said local resident Galina.
The show was attended by the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Aerospace Force Colonel General Viktor Bondarev.
"I believe we have achieved certain success and the army, the aerospace defence force, have demonstrated their capabilities," Viktor Bondarev told journalists after the show.
Asked about Russia's role in the operation in Syria he said: "I believe it has shown to the whole world that it is possible to fight villains and to put things right there, thanks to aviation."
The Kremlin began its campaign of air strikes in Syria in September last year, saying it wanted to help Moscow's main Middle East ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, defeat Islamic State and other militant groups.
Moscow started to withdraw forces on March 15 after declaring the operation a success, although some of its air force jets are still deployed in Syria. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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