What Did Putin See at MAKS-2015 Air and Space Show?

This year, the expo covers an area of more than 28,000 square meters in permanent and temporary pavilions.

Above: The MAKS-2015 International Air and Space Show.

Another 7,000 square meters were reserved for open-air facilities.

Above: The Swifts aerobatic display team performing during the opening of the MAKS-2015 International Air and Space Show.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited pavilions during the first day of the MAKS-2015 show. Along with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed Al Nahyan, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov and Trade Minister Denis Manturov, the president explored the pavilion devoted to the Russian aviation industry. The guests were shown the capabilities of such Russian companies, as Irkut, the Tupolev design bureau, and the Sukhoi design Bureau.

Above: President Vladimir Putin (center) visiting the 2015 MAKS air show opening ceremony. Right: Crown Prince of Abu-Dhabi Mohammed Al Nahyan.

Guests of the air show will be able to visit the Ilyushin Il-76MDB flying laboratory which is used for training astronauts under zero-gravity conditions. In addition, the aircraft, spacesuits for those training flights will also be on display. The aircraft was built of the regular Il-76 transport plane. It has improved body construction and wings, as well as hydraulic and fuel systems modified for being used in zero-gravity.

Above: Visitors look at the Ilyushin Il-76MDK training plane during the the MAKS-2015 International Air and Space Show.

On August 25-27, the MAKS-2015 is hosting business-days. During these days, the show is open for specialists, official delegations and journalists.

Above: The Russian Knights aerobatic display team performing during the opening of the MAKS-2015 International Air and Space Show.

The business schedule includes a number of conferences, round tables and symposiums. The flight program for the business-part of the show will be downsized.

Above: A flight program participant at the 2015 MAKS air show's opening ceremony.

On August 28-30, a grandiose festival of aviation is scheduled at the Ramenskoe airfield. It will involve planes and helicopters by world’s major manufacturers. Over 110 aircraft will be presented at the field.

Above: The Russian Knights aerobatic display team performing during the opening of the MAKS-2015 International Air and Space Show.

Over 500,000 people are expected to attend the event this year, with only 20 percent of them being professionals from the industry, according to the organizers. In the closing three days, nearly 300,000 enthusiasts traditionally visit the expo.

Above: Visitors at the MAKS-2015 International Air and Space Show.

The static display of the expo features 119 aircraft, with 18 of them provided by the Russian Air Force.

Above: The Swifts aerobatic display team performing during the opening of the MAKS-2015 International Air and Space Show.

Over 150 foreign companies from 25 countries will participate in the MAKS-2015 air show, including Austria, Belgium, Britain, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, Switzerland and France.

Above: Visitors at the MAKS-2015 International Air and Space Show.

On August 28, for the first time Student Day is planned at the expo. Admittance will be free for students from universities and specialized secondary schools.

Above: A Yak-130 Mitten subsonic two-seat advanced jet trainer performs during the MAKS-2015 show.

A total of 81 aircraft will be involved in demonstration flights during the MAKS-2015 air show.

Above: A pavilion at the MAKS-2015 International Air and Space Show.

Visitors will have a chance to see flights and aerobatic maneuvers on such machines as the Su-30, Su-27, MiG-29, Yak-130, L-39, Yak-52, Yak-54 and the Mi-28 helicopter.

Above: The Russian Knights aerobatic display team performing during the opening of the MAKS-2015 International Air and Space Show.

The MAKS-2015 schedule proves that there is no isolation of Russia, despite several rounds of anti-Russian sanctions by the West. This year, many European companies were quick to confirm their participation in the expo.

Above: A visitor takes a picture of a Tupolev Tu-144 commercial supersonic transport aircraft at the MAKS-2015 International Air and Space Show.

Flights on Su-35S and Su-34 4++ generation jets of the Russia Air Force are on the MAKS-2015 display schedule.

Above: The Russian Knights aerobatic display team performing during the opening of the MAKS-2015 International Air and Space Show.

The Russian Air Force will be represented by five aerobatic teams, including the Russian Knights, the Swifts, the Russian Falcons, the Golden Eagles and the recently formed Wings of Taurida.

Above: Visitors look at a Mi-28 NE attack helicopter at the the MAKS-2015 International Air and Space Show.

"Despite the actual international political situation, the MAKS-2015, as before, will be an effective platform for expert communication, the development of production cooperation and search for new business partners," Russian President Vladimir Putin said during his speech at the air show.

Above: The Swifts aerobatic display team performing during the opening of the MAKS-2015 International Air and Space Show.

The Russian Defense Ministry is expected to ink a deal on purchasing 48 Su-36 4++ generation supermaneuverable jet fighters at MAKS-2015.

Above: Promoters skate past a Myasishchev VM-T Atlant strategic airlift airplane on display at the MAKS International Air and Space Show.

A test flight of three operational prototypes of the Sukhoi PAK FA (T-50) fifth-generation jet, the first Russian stealth fighter, is going to steal the show at the MAKS-2015.

Above: A PAK FA fighter performs at the MAKS International Air and Space Show.

The MAKS International Air and Space Show is a biennial air show established in 1993.

Above: Visitors walk along a row of planes and helicopters on display at the MAKS International Air and Space Show.

The contract portfolio of Rosoboronexport on aircraft and aviation equipment is over $18 billion, according to the company. The Su-35, MiG-29 and Yak-130 are the highest in demand in foreign markets.

Above: Visitors at the MAKS International Air and Space Show.

The main purpose of the MAKS air show is to demonstrate the technological level and openness of the Russian market for joint projects with foreign partners.

Above: The Swifts aerobatic display team performing during the opening of the MAKS-2015 International Air and Space Show.

"The MAKS is much more than an air show. First of all, it is a platform for business communication and reaching profitable contracts," Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev noted.

Above: A visitor at the MAKS-2015 International Air and Space Show.

The MAKS Air and Space Show is organized under the auspices of the President of the Russian Federation.

Above: Visitors watch a Yak-130 display flight at the MAKS International Air and Space Show.