Russian-Syrian Rehearsal for Victory Day Parade

Arab World

April 30th, 5:50am

Moscow - London - Asharq Al-Awsat

Russian Sukhoi Su-25 fighter jets are shown shortly before takeoff at Hmeimim airbase in Syria. (Photo by Reuters)

Russia's Hmeimim airbase in Syria witnessed on Wednesday the first joint Russian-Syrian rehearsal of the Victory Day Parade. Victory Day is a holiday that commemorates the surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945. Russian pilot Nikolai Petrov told reporters that the rehearsal was successful. It included Kamov Ka-50, Mi-35M, and Mi-8, Aerospatiale Gazelle, and Mil Mi-24 helicopters. They flew above Hmeimim at 100 meters altitude and the speed of 180/hr. Then, Antonov An-26, An-76 and Il-20 cargo planes flew at 200 meters altitude and a speed of 350km/hr. The Russian pilot added that the preparations demand that all the participants act responsibly. The legendary T-34 tanks will traditionally lead the column at the parade. They will be followed by soldiers wearing their military uniforms. The parade is scheduled for May 9. Alexei Babnikov, head of supplies for the Russian forces at Hmeimim, said that the historic military uniforms are being adjusted to fit the participants.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2947311/russian-syrian-rehearsal-victory-day-parade