Maksim covers aerospace developments in Central Asia for Aviation Week. He has worked for Russia's Air Transport Observer magazine and was in charge of several ATO sister aerospace publications after working for the Moscow-based CAST defense think tank.
Maksim has a degree in international relations from MGIMO University, Moscow.
The August war with Georgia over South Ossetia has led Russian lawmakers to substantially increase defense expenditures. The federal budget for 2009-11, adopted by the Duma at the end of October, shows a 60-billion-ruble (about $2.2-billion) increase in defense spending for 2009 compared to the draft version. The total expenditure on national defense for 2009 now amounts to 1.34 trillion rubles, or about $49 billion, a 31.5% increase over 2008.
The development of a fifth-generation T-50 fighter, known by the Russian acronym PAK FA (Perspektivny Aviatzionny Kompleks Frontovoi Aviatzii, or future tactical aviation aircraft system), has emerged as one of Russia’s most important programs.
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.
