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President Putin first visited the exposition of the Sukhoi Aviation Military-Industrial Complex and focused on the revamped Su-27SM Flanker fighter.

Mr Putin subsequently inspected the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29OVT Fulcrum fighter and the MiG-AT combat trainer.

The President also inspected the all-weather Mil Mi-28 Havoc attack helicopter, which is intended to destroy enemy tanks, aerial targets and personnel. The helicopter features free-flight rockets, guided missiles, as well as built-in firearms and those on external pods.

After that, Mr Putin entered a Beriyev Be-200ChS amphibious plane manufactured on orders from the Civil Defence, Emergency Situations and Disaster Relief Ministry.

President Putin was also fascinated by a Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack strategic bomber, one of the most powerful weapons systems in the world, with 12 cruise missiles onboard.

The President visited an exposition of Boeing and Snecma Group, a leading aircraft engine and avionics manufacturer. Jean-Paul Becha, CEO of Snecma Group, said the company planned to invest about 230 million euros into the Russian economy, and that it had started the construction of a test facility in Russia.

President Putin also talked to European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) CEO Rainer Hertrich.

After visiting the exposition, Mr Putin watched demonstration flights involving warplanes and civilian aircraft.