Aug 12, 2012 (Radio Free Europe). Russia is marking the 100th anniversary
of its air force with an aviation parade and parachute drop at the
Zhukovsky airfield outside of Moscow. Lieutenant General Viktor Bondarev opened the celebrations and noted
that 69 foreign countries had sent delegations to the event.
Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a statement saying that "the
development of military aviation is the priority of the country's
military policy."
He promised on August 11 that the air force will receive over 600 new
combat planes and 1,000 helicopters by 2020 as part of a $720 billion
military-reequipment effort.
