Another monument to Andrei Tupolev opens in Kazan

(Kazan, KZN.RU, June 4, by Adel Galiyev and Irina Smirnova). A monument to the outstanding Soviet aircraft designer, Andrei Tupolev, was unveiled in Kazan today. The opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation Sergei Shoigu, President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin, as well as by the head of the United Aircraft Corporation Mikhail Pogosyan.

Addressing the numerous participants of the unveiling, Sergei Shoigu called today's event a landmark. "Andrei Tupolev's contribution to the country, its aviation and armed forces is invaluable,” said Sergei Shoigu ."One should point out the war years, the flight over the North Pole, the early records and, of course, our strategic aviation. All this was done thanks to Tupolev, Tupolev, Tupolev."

He stressed that Russia is eternally grateful to the man, due to whom the Russian military have such powerful weapons.

Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov in turn congratulated everyone on the opening of the monument. "The history of our aircraft factory and our Aviation Institute is closely related to Tupolev," reminded R.Minnikhanov.

The head of the United Aircraft Corporation, Mikhail Pogosyan, recalled that in 2013 Russia marked the 125th anniversary of Andrei Tupolev's birth. "The opening of the monument in Kazan is a tribute to this extraordinary man. At the same time, it highlights our responsibility for the development of Tupolev Kazan Aircraft Plant," said M.Pogosyan.

The honored guests unveiled the monument and laid flowers to the sounds of a military band, the press service of the president of the Republic of Tatarstan reported.

It will be recalled that another monument to Tupolev in Kazan – near KNITU-KAI building No. 3 on Tolstoy Street – was inaugurated November 18, 2008.