Russia marked Victory Day on Thursday (9 May)
A parade devoted to the 74th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s Victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War was held in Moscow’s Red Square. Over 13,000 troops and more than 130 items of advanced weapon systems were involved in the Victory Day Parade in Moscow.
Military enthusiasts were however disappointed that combat aircraft and helicopters did take part in the parade due to unfavourable weather conditions.
As was reported earlier, the air parade was expected to involve Mi-26, Mi-28NM, Ka-52 and Mi-35 helicopters. Also, the upgraded Tu-95MSM strategic bombers, Tu-160 long-range missile-carrying bombers and Tu-22M3 aircraft were to have taken part in the Parade's air component. Russia's military transport aviation was expected to involve Il-76 planes and an Il-78 aerial refuelling tanker.
Also, the aerobatic teams Russian Knights flying Su-30SM fighter jets and Swifts flying MiG-29 aircraft were due to have flown in a single formation over Red Square during the Parade.
source: commonspace.eu with agencies
photo: Female members of the Russian Army march in Red Square as part of the Victory day parade on 9 May (picture courtesy of TASS news agency, Moscow)