Serbia will hold a major military parade on Saturday in Belgrade, showcasing around 2,500 pieces of military equipment, more than 600 vehicles, 70 aircraft, and 20 vessels, the Ministry of Defense said.
The “Power of Unity” parade, marking the Day of Serbian Unity, Freedom and the National Flag, will begin at 11 a.m. in front of the Palace of Serbia and involve approximately 10,000 participants, including units from all branches of the Serbian Armed Forces.
Visitors will see cadets from the Military Academy, echelons of armored vehicles and vessels of the River Flotilla, and demonstrations by the Special Purpose Military Police Detachment “Cobra.” The program also features exercises by members of the Guard and a parachute jump by the 63rd Parachute Brigade.
The Ministry of Defense said aircraft participating include MiG-29s, “Eagle” fighter jets, C-295 CASA transport planes, Mi-35M helicopters, and H-145 helicopters. Displayed military hardware will include FK-3 and HQ-17 anti-aircraft missile systems, GM400 radars, Miloš, MRAP, Lazar 3, Hammer and BOV OT armored combat vehicles, modernized M-84 tanks, M80 armored infantry vehicles, 155 mm self-propelled howitzers, NORA artillery, modernized PASARS anti-aircraft systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and reconnaissance and combat drones.
Units participating in the parade include the War Flag Sub-Echelon, Guards, 72nd Special Operations Brigade, 63rd Parachute Brigade, the Cobra Detachment, Army, Air Force and Air Defense units, Training Command, Liaison Brigade, 608th Logistics Base, Military Academy, and Army veterans.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić told TV Blic the parade is not for political purposes but to demonstrate Serbia’s military strength and deter potential aggressors. Defense Minister Bratislav Gašić said the event involves over 10,000 soldiers, with 6,000 in infantry and motorized echelons, supported by logistical and municipal services and the Ministry of Interior.
Citizens attending the parade will be allowed access from 8:30 a.m. at designated checkpoints. For security, entry will be restricted to sober adults and minors accompanied by guardians, and pets and dangerous items are prohibited.
The Day of Serbian Unity commemorates the Serbian flag carried by soldiers during the breakthrough of the Salonica front on September 15, 1918.
The last large-scale Serbian Armed Forces parade, “Step of the Winner,” took place in 2014 in Belgrade and featured 4,500 participants and more than 350 combat vehicles, with Russian President Vladimir Putin attending as guest of honor.
Military parades in Serbia have a long history, dating back to a decree by King Milan Obrenović in 1884, and continued through the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, with major parades held on national and military holidays.