Russian PM stresses need to strengthen Russia's role in aviation industry

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Tuesday Russia needed to strengthen its leading position in the world aviation and space market. He was opening the MAKS-2013 international aviation and space show in the city of Zhukovsky near Moscow. "Today, it is important to make every effort to strengthen the leading positions of Russian aircraft techniques in the world market, to pay special attention to improving the production base... the aviation and space-rocket industry, and expansion of their export opportunities..., " Medvedev said. The Russian prime minister said the air show would increase Russia's position as a pioneer in space exploration and creator of unique aircraft in the world. According to Medvedev, Russia's aviation market currently exceeds one trillion rubles (some 30 billion U.S. dollars) and is growing. "It is obvious that despite various problems and crises, this market's volume will grow," he told the International Aviation Congress, part of the event. The MAKS-2013 kicked off in Zhukovsky with flight programs to be held at the airfield of the country's major national testing facility - Gromov Flight Research Institute. The six-day event showcases the products of more than 1,000 aerospace enterprises from 44 countries and regions and includes aerial demonstrations for industry experts and the public. The air show is a rare occasion where the public can see Russia's aircraft and weapons system prototypes as well as experimental systems that cannot be shown abroad due to commercial and defense security reasons.