Putin Caressed the Sukhoi SJ-100 Jet Linked to 89 Deaths

Vladimir Putin’s Visit to the Flight Research Institute

According to Главком: During a trip to the Gromov Flight Research Institute in Zhukovsky, a suburb of Moscow, Vladimir Putin inspected cutting-edge aviation technology. As part of the tour, he sat in the cockpit of a Sukhoi SJ-100 aircraft, physically touching its components. The Russian president emphasized that his country is the only one capable of maintaining a complete production cycle for aircraft engines. This visit underscores Moscow's ongoing push to assert its technological independence in the aerospace sector.

Showcasing New Aircraft Models

Putin was also shown the Yakovlev MC-21-310 and the Il-114-300 during the event. Accompanying the president were several high-ranking officials, including:

• Denis Manturov
• Vitaly Savelyev
• Anton Alikhanov
• Anton Siluanov
• Sergei Chemezov
• German Gref
• Dmitry Yadrov
• Vadim Badekha

The Sukhoi SJ-100 that Putin examined has a troubling safety record. Since 2012, this aircraft model has been involved in five separate crashes, resulting in 89 fatalities. The first deadly incident occurred on May 9, 2012, in Indonesia, when an SSJ 100 carrying 45 people slammed into Mount Salak on Java island just 25 minutes after departing Jakarta. Over the subsequent eight years of operation, accidents involving this plane model claimed a total of 86 lives.

The first prototype of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 took flight in May 2008, and commercial service began in April 2011. These statistics highlight the critical importance of aviation safety and the role that modern technology must play in improving reliability.

Putin’s visit to the flight research institute signals the strategic priority Russia places on its aviation industry and the government’s focus on developing and adopting new technologies in this field. Despite the safety concerns tied to the Sukhoi SJ-100, the display of newer aircraft models suggests an effort by Russian aviation companies to rebuild their reputation and deliver greater reliability for passengers. In the global aviation landscape, safety remains paramount, and innovation may hold the key to addressing existing challenges.

In addition to showcasing the Sukhoi SJ-100, Putin's recent engagements highlight the significance of robust security measures during state visits. Notably, his motorcade in Kazakhstan was accompanied by 14 motorcycles and an armored vehicle, emphasizing the heightened focus on safety and protection for officials. To learn more about the elaborate security arrangements during these high-profile visits, click here.