Paris Airshow could give the chance to Russian Knights to showcase the capabilities of their new Sukhoi Su-30 multirole fighter jet
The U.S. Air Force (USAF) announced on May 6, 2017 that will bring the F-35A to the Paris Airshow, which will take place at the Le Bourget Parc des Expositions on Jun. 19-25.
The news came after earlier media reports saying the stealth jets will not be making their debut in France.
As we have reported the USAF F-35As have successfully completed their first major overseas training deployment, where the aircraft and their aircrews had the chance to fly in a realistic training environment. Now, according to F-35.com, the Lightning II participation in the Paris Air Show will further demonstrate the ability of the Air Force to deliver a broad range of combat airpower to any mission set.
“The F-35A strengthens partnerships and improves regional stability,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein. “We welcome the opportunity to further demonstrate the revolutionary capabilities of this aircraft.”
“Every deployment of this game-changing weapons system enhances our readiness…the maintainers, operators and mission support warriors get better and better,” said Gen. Tod Wolters, Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE).”When we deploy we operate as a coalition. Operationalizing and integrating the F-35 makes us a stronger fighting force.”
Noteworthy Russia too will bring some of its latest military and civilian aircraft to the Paris Air Show. In fact as told by Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) spokesperson Maria Vorobyeva to Sputniknews “The Russian delegation will participate in the work of the 52nd international air show in Le Bourget and will showcase both civilian and military products.”
Even if we don’t know yet which aircraft Russia will bring to the airshow, it is safe to assume that amongst the possible participants there is “Russian Knights” aerobatic display team. The team in fact has recently replaced its Sukohoi Su-27s with newly-built Su-30SMs and the Paris Airshow could give the Russian Knights the chance to showcase the capabilities of their new multirole fighter jet.
Last year, Russia exhibited only civilian aircraft at the Farnborough Airshow due to the Ukrainian crisis and sanctions against Russian defense companies.
Photo credit: Sukhoi and Senior Airman Malcolm Mayfield / U.S. Air Force
