Even with the economic sanctions that the Western countries have put into effect against Russia due to actions in Ukraine and low oil prices that have put a wrench in the country's economic gears, last week the country still manages to open a military theme park that will cost them US$370 million if completed. Called the "Patriot Park" this is Russia's military "Disneyland" where all the Russian military hardware through the years will be put on display for visitors to touch and admire.

Vladimir Putin opened the Patriot Park during the Army 2015 Forum last 16-19 June 2015.

The park will have a total of 4,000 5,500 hectares (around 9,880 13,590 acres), the Patriot Park is an hour's ride away from Moscow. Everything has a military theme, with military rations available for lunch. Tanks, armoured personnel carriers, attack helicopters and more will be fully on display at this place. It is also an events exhibition centre and I pretty much assume that defence conventions and military conferences will be held at this place. I am not sure if they would allow some weddings to be held amidst the hardware on display. There are plans for hotels and entertainment centres for visitors who want to stay longer than a day.

If you want to collect Soviet-era memorabilia, there are fridge magnets that show Joseph Stalin, Soviet Secret Police founder "Iron Felix" Dzerzhinsky, Secret police chief Lavrenty Beria and many more.

Visitors can get to try some of the military hardware, but will be using simulators to experience what the pilots and drivers experienced driving the behemoths. There are also opportunities to fire Kalashnikov rifles and partake in extreme activities. Tanks such as the T-90,  the Ka-52 Alligator Chopper, and perhaps the new T-14 Armata tank will also be doing some exhibitions as well as the latest planes from the Russian Air Force. There will also be a museum for the Russian military vehicles that were built throughout its history.

Planned to help instill a sense of patriotism and pride in Russia's Armed Forces, some parts of the Patriot Park are still under construction with the final phase seen to be completed in 2017. When it gets fully complete according to Sputnik News, will also include reconstructions of important historic battles of the Patriotic War of 1812, the First and Second World Wars.

If you are wondering if you can bring home one of those armoured vehicles, you're in luck. They also will have an auction section where you can bid on the vehicles. Fancy a T-72 or a BMP?

With such a vast land area for a theme park, I wonder if they would allow for some "airsoft and milsim conference" in case war doesn't break out between Russia and the West, given the tensions building up in recent years. If peace does hold on and tensions lessen with a new era of friendship and cooperation rising, this can be a "must see" place for airsofters and militaria fans. It would be fantastic doing some airsoft events in this place with some of the hardware used for demonstrations to crowds used put to full use. If indeed that happens, it will be what Disneyland is for airsofters. Time to check plane fares to Moscow.

Now let's see if the Americans will also do a rival Military theme park. They can even situate it in Florida just like other world famous theme parks for more days of sunshine as compared to cold Russia.