The first rehearsal of the aerial part of the Victory Day parade was held in the sky over Moscow on May 5. The most advanced Russian long-range, military transport, bombing, fighting and army planes flew in one united formation 200 meters above Red Square.
As planned, a total of 140 combat planes and helicopters flew over Moscow at 11:12 a.m. local time.
Above: Mi-8 helicopters during the aerial rehearsal of the May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow.
Above: Mi-8 helicopters during the aerial rehearsal of the May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow.
According to tradition, the Russian Knight and Swift aerobatic display teams were involved in the rehearsal of the Victory Parade.
Above: Su-27 and MiG-29 jet fighters of the Russian Knights and the Swifts aerobatic display teams during the rehearsal of the Victory Day parade in Moscow.
Above: Su-27 and MiG-29 jet fighters of the Russian Knights and the Swifts aerobatic display teams during the rehearsal of the Victory Day parade in Moscow.
"A total of 21 types of aircraft from the Russian Air Force were involved in the rehearsal," a Defense Ministry representative said.
Above: Su-34, Su-27 and MiG-29 aircraft during the aerial rehearsal of the May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow.
Above: Su-34, Su-27 and MiG-29 aircraft during the aerial rehearsal of the May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow.
The rehearsal ended with a flight by MiG-29 and Su-25 crews.
Above: Su-25SM aircraft during the aerial rehearsal of the May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow.
Above: Su-25SM aircraft during the aerial rehearsal of the May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow.
The cutting-edge Su-35 and Su-30 jet fighters, the Mi-35M modernized helicopters and the Ansat-U training helicopters for the first time ever flew over Moscow.
Above: Su-34, Su-27 and MiG-29 aircraft during the aerial rehearsal of the May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow.
Above: Su-34, Su-27 and MiG-29 aircraft during the aerial rehearsal of the May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow.
According to the Defense Ministry, all the pilots involved in the Victory Day parade performance were high-end aces.
Above: A Mi-8 helicopter during Su-34, Su-27 and MiG-29 aircraft during the aerial rehearsal of the May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow.
Above: A Mi-8 helicopter during Su-34, Su-27 and MiG-29 aircraft during the aerial rehearsal of the May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow.
Among the helicopters used in the rehearsal were the Ka-52, Mi-28N, Mi-26, Mi-35, Mi-8AMTSh helicopters and the Ansat-U training helicopter. The Golden Eagles aerobatic display team flying the Mi-28N Night Hunter also took part in the rehearsal of the upcoming parade.
Above: Mi-35 helicopters during the aerial rehearsal of the May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow.
Above: Mi-35 helicopters during the aerial rehearsal of the May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow.
The aces from the Russian Knights and the Swifts flying the Su-27 and MiG-29 jet fighters performed the famous "Cuban diamond" maneuver.
Above: Su-27 and MiG-29 jet fighters during the aerial rehearsal of the May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow.
Above: Su-27 and MiG-29 jet fighters during the aerial rehearsal of the May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow.
The rehearsal also featured refueling units, heavy aircraft, crews of the army, tactical aviation, and the A-50 radio detection aircraft.
Above: People watch Su-30SM and Su-35S flying over during the aerial rehearsal of the May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow.
Above: People watch Su-30SM and Su-35S flying over during the aerial rehearsal of the May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow.
The official part of the rehearsal was opened by Air Force Commander Colonel General Viktor Bondarev flying a Tu-160 Blackjack heavy strategic bomber.
Above: Tu-22M3 aircraft during the aerial rehearsal of the May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow.
Above: Tu-22M3 aircraft during the aerial rehearsal of the May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow.
Pilots of the Russian Falcons aerobatic team performed the "tactical wing" formation with 10 aircraft.
Above: Il-76 aircraft during the aerial rehearsal of the May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow.
Above: Il-76 aircraft during the aerial rehearsal of the May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow.
Six Su-25 crews flew over the Red Square with Russian-flag-colored smoke.
Above: Su-30SM and Su-35S aircraft during the aerial rehearsal of the May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow.
Above: Su-30SM and Su-35S aircraft during the aerial rehearsal of the May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow.
In the case of poor weather on May 9, the Russian Air Force would deploy 10 aircraft to disperse clouds.
Above: MiG-31 interceptor aircraft during the aerial rehearsal of the May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow.
Above: MiG-31 interceptor aircraft during the aerial rehearsal of the May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow.
MiG-29 and Su-25 crews formed the figure "70" of 15 aircraft in the sky.
Above: MiG-29 and Su-25 aircraft during the aerial rehearsal of the May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow.
Above: MiG-29 and Su-25 aircraft during the aerial rehearsal of the May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow.
