Russia Brings Together Some of the World’s Best Fighter Pilots

Aviadarts is Moscow’s Top Gun

by THOMAS NEWDICK

A Chinese Su-30MKK at Aviadarts. Stanislav Bazhenov photo

Increasing importance

Aviadarts first took place in 2013, when around 50 pilots participated. This year has already seen two rounds of the competition. The first, which concluded in May, was an all-Russian affair, and involved around 50 aircrew flying from three different air bases.

A Chinese Su-30MKK at Aviadarts. Stanislav Bazhenov photo

Foreign contingent

By opening up Aviadarts to international participants, the Russian military is not only exhibiting the prowess of its aviators, but making efforts to build foreign relations at a time when Russia’s foreign policy is facing harsh criticism.

A Chinese Su-30MKK at Aviadarts. Stanislav Bazhenov photo

Public relations

Above all, perhaps, the high level of local media attention afforded to Aviadarts should be seen in light of Russian president Vladimir Putin’s efforts to flex Russian military muscle to the watching world. It was not too long ago that Russian air force units were struggling to find the fuel and spares to maintain even the minimum level of daily operations.

--

--