TWO Russian-built jet-fighters which were set to be star attractions at this year's Royal International Air Tattoo have had to pull out of the show.

The two MiG-29 fighter planes from the Slovakian Air Force have had to pull out because of delays in upgrading the aircraft to the NATO standard.

It means that all foreign airshow participation by Slovak aircraft would be cancelled.

The Slovaks were due to bring two of the aircraft, one for the flying display and one to be shown on the ground.

An Air Tattoo spokesman said: "Displays by the MiG-29 are always very popular so it is a great shame the Slovaks will not be bringing theirs.

"However, there is still another MiG-29 in the flying programme the latest version from the MiG factory and now we shall look forward to that even more. Let's hope that they can join us at next year's Air Tattoo."

The news from Slovakia came shortly after an announcement by the Italian Navy that it too would no longer be able to take part in this year's Air Tattoo.

So far, around 170 aircraft have confirmed they will be taking part in this year's show at RAF Fairford on July 15 and July 16.