FLASH
Shkruar nga PamfletiThe French president appeared in a military jeep, attended by 6,700 soldiers and over 100 aircraft. The parade also lacked the waving of the Albanian flag.
The traditional Bastille Day military parade was held today in Paris with great pomp, with thousands of soldiers, dozens of aircraft and military vehicles parading down the Champs-Élysées, with the message of European unity and security dominating this year's events.
This year's parade had special significance, as Emmanuel Macron presided over the national holiday for the last time as President of France, before the end of his second and final constitutional term in 2027.
As reported by international media, this year's parade was one of the most impressive parades in recent years, with images making the rounds on the internet.
Clusters of aircraft, military vehicles, infantry divisions and a special tribute to the 400th anniversary of the French Navy created an impressive spectacle, which was watched by thousands of citizens along the Champs-Élysées, as well as millions of television viewers around the world.
In detail, this year's parade was the largest in recent years, with the participation of approximately 6,700 infantry soldiers, 98 aircraft, 31 helicopters and 315 military vehicles. According to the French presidency, the aim was to highlight France's rearmament, its strategic autonomy and the strengthening of European defense.
Bienvenue à nos partners de la Coalition des volontaires. Honneur et fierté de vous avoir à nos sides. pic.twitter.com/gGBWA1cpFO
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 14, 2026
Support for Ukraine in focus
Special emphasis was placed on support for Ukraine and its allies. The parade was also attended by 37 countries of the "Coalition of the Willing", a total of about 500 military personnel, while 25 Ukrainian soldiers marched behind them, in a symbolic gesture of solidarity.
The event was attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as well as 24 European heads of state and government, including Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Also present were European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Video shows French President Emmanuel Macron attending France's annual Bastille Day military parade. This year's parade features aircraft from 11 European countries and around 500 troops from the Coalition of the Willing, highlighting support for Ukraine's post-war security. The… pic.twitter.com/uJGcFbvUA1
— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) July 14, 2026
The parade opened with a display by the French Air Force's Patrouille de France aerobatic team. It was followed by two French Mirage 2000 fighter jets with Ukrainian co-pilots who had been trained in France, while aircraft from ten European countries, including Greece, also took part.
Specifically, two Rafale fighter jets of the 332nd Fighter Wing flew in a joint formation with corresponding aircraft from Spain, Italy and Poland over the Champs-Élysées.
In addition to the air vehicles, a 21-person infantry unit (3 officers and 18 soldiers) of the Inter-Service Honor Company of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff also participated in the parade.
Macron's message and strengthening defense
In his message yesterday, Emmanuel Macron stressed that France seeks peace but remains ready to defend freedom and international law. He also highlighted the strengthening of the French armed forces during his presidency, noting that the country's defense budget has doubled.
The updated military planning law foresees total defense spending of 436 billion euros for the period 2024-2030, an increase of 36 billion euros compared to the original plan.
??????????????? Two Mirage 2000B fighter jets with Ukrainian pilots trained in France flew over Paris during the Bastille Day parade. pic.twitter.com/Ev4yFeXOhL
— Special Kherson Cat ???????????? (@bayraktar_1love) July 14, 2026
jo te hypi ne xhip si stalini ne vaktit, por edhe krahet te vej per ne hene se kesaj radhe komunizmi , ose me mire hajdutet, endacaket pa atdhe, grabitesit e pasurive te kombeve ne menyre arbitrare do shuhen.