MOSCOW, July 14 (RIA Novosti) – Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin advised Russian delegation members Monday to end their participation in the Farnborough International Airshow in the UK.
“I recommend our delegation winds up its participation in the exhibition and returns home,” Rogozin, who is in charge of the defense and space industry, wrote on Twitter.
The Farnborough International Airshow kicked off in a small town west of London on Monday, although many Russian aerospace industry delegates and journalists had to stay home due to visa issues.
UK authorities denied visas to several members of the Russian delegation, linking the move to Moscow’s stance on the crisis in Ukraine.
The week-long event, which combines a well respected trade exhibition for the aerospace and defense industries, with a spectacular airshow, runs until July 20.
Russian arms exporter Rosoboronexport is to present the country’s most advanced military aircraft at the show, as are many Russian companies, which are planning some major announcements and press meetings to promote their projects.
The Farnborough airshow occurs once every other year. This year the airshow is to have 1,500 exhibitors, 70 grounded aircraft and 23 due to take part in flying displays.
The exhibition is expected to attract over 100,000 visitors and an even greater number of potential buyers, in addition to some 90 official delegations and more than 20 countries that are to have their own stands at the show.
