Russia cancels MAKS-2023 air show: UK intelligence explains why

This is reported by the Ministry of Defense of Great Britain.

It is worth noting that Russia has canceled the MAKS international air show in 2023, which is held near Moscow every two years. This is the first time in 30 years that the event has been canceled. During the air show, Russia usually showcases its civil and military aerospace sector to attract potential customers for exports.

The British Ministry of Defense believes that the cancellation is likely due to concerns about drone attacks and Russia's international isolation amid the ongoing war with Ukraine.

UK intelligence stated that the show was probably canceled primarily due to serious security concerns following recent drone attacks in Russia. The organizers were also likely worried about the negative impact on their reputation if fewer international delegations attended the event.

According to intelligence sources, the aerospace sector in Russia is affected by international sanctions, and skilled specialists are being encouraged to serve in the Roskosmos space agency's own militia.

Analysts also mentioned that General Sergey Surovikin, the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces, has not made public appearances since the failed coup attempt by Yevgeny Prigozhin on June 24. This has resulted in a lack of communication with the Russian Ministry of Defense.

• In May, Russian media reported that the MAKS aviation exhibition, the largest of its kind, was canceled for the first time in 30 years. The event, originally scheduled to take place near Moscow from July 25 to 30, has been officially postponed to next year. The organizers did not provide a specific reason for the postponement. However, according to sources cited by the Russian publication Kommersant, the airshow was canceled due to security concerns after the appearance of drones near Moscow.