Dmitry Chernyshenko: We must uphold the high standard set in technical development and mentorship by the honored test pilot navigator Leonid Popov

Published on: 2026-08-31

Source: Government of the Russian Federation –

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Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Chernyshenko and Prime Minister of Tatarstan Alexey Pesoshin participated in the ceremony of unveiling the memorial plaque to Hero of Russia, Honored Test Navigator of the USSR Leonid Popov on the facade of the Kazan National Research Technical University (KNITU-KAI).

The Deputy Prime Minister congratulated the residents of Kazan on Republic Day and City Day and emphasized the solemnity of the event. Dmitry Chernyshenko listed the achievements and records of the legendary test navigator Leonid Stepanovich Popov. For instance, he was the first among Soviet people to reach a speed of 3,500 km/h on the MiG-31, the first to cross the North Pole on a fighter jet, participated in testing and fine-tuning dozens of airplanes and helicopters, and was a test pilot for the control system of the reusable space vehicle “Buran.”

“Leonid Stepanovich Popov lived for the sky, putting all his strength and soul into the development of domestic aviation. He was also a good mentor to an entire generation of aviators, passing on his rich experience to the youth. It is symbolic that we are opening the memorial here, at the Kazan National Research Technical University named after Tupolev, of which Leonid Stepanovich was a graduate, where the traditions of mentorship are sacredly preserved. Of course, we must hold high the bar that he set both in technical development and in mentoring. Today, the university actively participates in the national project ‘Youth and Children,’ is one of the leaders of such programs as ‘Priority-2030,’ ‘Advanced Engineering Schools,’ and makes a significant contribution to the development of both the aviation industry and, most importantly, to achieving technological leadership of our country. This is a national goal set by our President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin,” noted Dmitry Chernyshenko.

In conclusion, the Deputy Prime Minister thanked the university and the Republic of Tatarstan for the unveiling of the plaque and expressed confidence that each of the students will be inspired by the example of a true hero, patriot, and talented person Leonid Popov.

“Today we pay tribute to a hero, a man of courage and honor, whose life has become part of history and a pride of our country. Leonid Popov took part in testing various airplanes and helicopters, contributing to the strengthening of the country’s defense capabilities. His work required not only the highest qualifications but also the willingness to take risks for the development and improvement of domestic aviation technology. It is important that the example of such people as Leonid Stepanovich inspires young specialists, our students, and graduates to professional achievements and dedication to their work,” noted the Prime Minister of Tatarstan, Alexey Pesoshin.

Also, at the opening, the rector of KNITU-KAI Kirill Okhotkin and the daughter of the test navigator Nadezhda Popova spoke.

Greeting the guests of the event, KNITU-KAI rector Kirill Okhotkin emphasized that the unveiling of the memorial plaque to the outstanding KNITU graduate took place on the Day of the Republic of Tatarstan and the city of Kazan.

“His professional path was connected with testing aviation and space technology. He made an invaluable contribution to the defense capability of our Homeland,” Kirill Okhotkin emphasized.

The rector of KNRTU-KAI expressed gratitude for the attention to the development of domestic aviation and the support of the university by the Government, the leadership of Tatarstan, and Kazan, noting that support for aerospace-profile universities is a contribution to the development of domestic aviation.

Nadezhda Popova said that her father was also actively involved in publishing and maintained contact with the university. One of his books, along with his protective helmet and a photograph, was donated to the university museum.

To conclude, flowers were laid at the memorial plaque.

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