In addition to writing for Aviation Week Network, Maxim holds a key position at Russia's Air Transport Observer magazine (www.ato.ru). In the past he was in charge of several ATO sister aerospace publications and earlier worked for the Moscow-based CAST defense think-tank.
Maxim has a degree on international relations from MGIMO University, Moscow, Russia, and for several years worked at the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Russia’s war with Georgia last year sent a clear message: Its days of passivity are over. Russia aims to be a player in global affairs again, and will use a rejuvenated military to back up its aspirations. The five-day war was the first time Russia fought outside its territory since Afghanistan. The rapid response to Georgia’s conflict with two breakaway regions, South Ossetia and Abkhazia, underscored Russia’s determination to guard regional borders and, through alliances and treaties, create geographical buffers as in the Cold War.
Despite increased expenditures for Russia’s military in recent years, government leaders and lawmakers agree that the armed forces should be spending much more to acquire advanced weapons, capabilities and combat equipment.
Sukhoi disclosed the first test results of its next-generation 4++ Su-35 fighter in July, and at least one area raised eyebrows—speed. The Su-35 reached a supercruise regime—supersonic speed without afterburners—one of the planned features of the T-50 next-generation fighter, which is in development. Sukhoi attributed the result to the more powerful engines, a lighter airframe built in part with composites, and advanced onboard equipment and controls.
