Russia will mark the 65th anniversary of...
On May 9, 165 combat aircraft will fly over Red Square, with some of them grouping to form the number 65, Kommersant said, referring to a Defense Ministry official. Preparations for the event have already started.
The aircraft will include Tu-95MS Bear strategic bombers and supersonic Tu-160 Blackjacks, Tu-22M3 Backfire long-range bombers and Il-78 Midas aerial tankers from airbases from across Russia, the paper said, citing Col. Alexei Kuznetsov, head of the ministry"s press service.
Kuznetsov also said there would be more ground-based military hardware in the parade this year than at previous events.
Col. Oleg Storozhuk, a military pilot who holds the title of Hero of Russia, confirmed the figures, saying the aircraft would also include new Su-34 Fullback fighters, which are still to enter service, as well as helicopters, the paper reported.
This year will see "the most spectacular and captivating air show," the pilot told the paper.