"Under the existing tradition at the show in Farnborough the world's leaders among airspace corporations and industries show the results of their activities over the time from the previous show", stressed Alexander Smelyakov, director of the Rosoboronexport's (state military exporter and importer) public relations and press service, speaking to RIA Novosti's correspondent.
He pointed out that "in the recent years Russia has progressively increased the military equipment export volume: in 2003 the military export volume grew by 20% as compared to 2002 and reached the peak level in the post-Soviet period amounting to $5.4 billion".
"Air materiel and military space services cover 70% of these shipment's total volume", said Mr. Smelyakov.
According to him, Russia's air materiel manufacturers participate as equals in the largest regional tenders on procuring purpose fighters and helicopters.
The spokesman recalled the recent contracts on shipping Sukhoi-series aircraft to India, Malaysia and Indonesia. In his opinion, it proves the fact that the Russian airspace industry demonstrates its maturity and competence as a long-term and strategic partner within the framework of the large contracts being fulfilled".
"Popular Sukhoi aircraft will be widely displayed at this exhibition as well. The exhibition's visitors will have the opportunity to obtain the necessary information on practically the whole export range including Su-27SK and Su-30MK purpose fighters, Su-32 fighter-bomber, Su-39 attack aircraft and Su-33 ship-based fighter", said Mr. Smelyakov.
In the opinion of the Rosoboronexport's spokesman, an important place in the Russian display belongs to Yak-130 combat training aircraft. "It is a dual-purpose aircraft that can be used as a combat training aircraft and a light attack aircraft", he explained.
Mr. Smelyakov also said that the display would also feature versions of Russia's helicopters. For example, the Kamov joint stock company is represented by versions of Ka-50 combat attack helicopter, unique Ka-31 radar picket helicopter, Ka-60 multipurpose helicopter and Ka-226 light multipurpose helicopter incorporating original modular design.
Russia's helicopter industry will also be represented at the air show by the Military design bureau's helicopters including Mi-171Sh military transport helicopter, Mi-35M combat transport helicopter, Mi-26 heavy transport helicopter and promising Mi-28NE combat helicopter.
The Rosoboronexport's spokesman believes that Russia's participation in Farnborough-2004 will be successful.
