Russian armed forces beauties show off their beauty

Ahead of International Women's Day on March 8 this year, Russian female pilots, soldiers, police officers and law enforcement officers participated in an annual beauty contest held to honor the beauty and contributions of women in the Russian armed forces, according toSputnik.

Pictured is Alla Shamkova, a female student at the Krasnodar Air Force Academy, before the start of the competition.

The event features the same format as any other beauty pageant, except for the swimsuit portion. Instead of bikinis, contestants will perform in the uniforms of the armed forces they serve in, along with evening gowns and costumes of their choice.

Female cadets and officers are carefully made up and prepared before appearing on stage.

Two contestants come from the Krasnodar region, host of this year's beauty pageant.

Female soldiers in uniform perform self-introduction.

Air Force cadet Alla Shamkova in the evening gown competition.

The title of Miss Russian Armed Forces 2018 went to Alla Shamkova (right), while Anna Khalepskaya (left) of the Krasnodar Region Customs Service and cadet Valentina Byashinova (center) of the Presidential Military School in Krasnodar won the runner-up title.