Russia Cancels International Aviation and Space Salon Amid Ongoing Drone Attacks

Russia has decided to cancel the 2026 International Aviation and Space Salon (MAKS air show), which was expected to be held this summer, TASS news agency reported on June 11 (local time).

According to a Russian government decree, this year's MAKS air show has been canceled, and the Hydroaviasalon, an exhibition for seaplanes and amphibious aircraft, has been postponed to September of next year.

The MAKS air show, first held in 1993, is an event led by Russian authorities to showcase the country's latest aerospace technology and seek opportunities for international exports.

TASS noted that the air show was last held in July 2021.

Since the outbreak of the war following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the event has not been held for five consecutive years, including this year.

The Hydroaviasalon has also not been held since September 2018.

Yedyni24, a media outlet created by the Ukrainian government for war-related fundraising, interpreted the decision as a measure taken amid the escalating threat posed by Ukrainian military drones to Russia.

The outlet pointed out that large-scale drone strikes on the Russian capital, Moscow, in March of last year and May of this year exposed vulnerabilities in the region, including its airports.

Concerned about the possibility of Ukrainian drone attacks, the Russian government significantly scaled down the Victory Day military parade held in Moscow last month compared to previous years.

(Photo: Getty Images)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.