The Largest Military Parade in Croatian History Concludes with a Flypast of Nine Rafale Combat Aircraft

Today, the capital of the Republic of Croatia hosted a ceremonial military parade marking the 30th anniversary of Operation Storm, Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day, and Croatian Veterans Day. This historic anniversary was commemorated with dignity, in the presence of thousands of citizens and numerous domestic and international dignitaries.

On this occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić stated:

“Today, the Croatian people can be truly proud of their victorious Croatian Armed Forces. This is a historic event for the Armed Forces and for Croatia as a whole. This magnificent parade represents a demonstration of strength, capability, modern equipment, training, and above all, the security of all our citizens. The Croatian Armed Forces, together with all components of the homeland security system, have shown their very best. Although this has been our largest military parade to date, we have still not yet displayed all the equipment and weapon systems at our disposal.”

Paying tribute to all who sacrificed their lives, health, and years of service in the defence of Croatia during the Homeland War, Minister Anušić added:

“The devastation of war must never be repeated. Let it be absolutely clear that we will never allow anyone to even consider laying claim to a single inch of our territory. The Croatian Armed Forces have once again shown that they stand firmly with their people. Everyone who followed today’s parade expressed their support for our personnel and for the entire homeland security system on a day of great national pride.”

He also congratulated all those involved in organising the parade and expressed special appreciation to the members of the Croatian Armed Forces and the Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Tihomir Kundid.

Ahead of the parade, President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Zoran Milanović said:

“We celebrate victories, not hatred,” adding that the most impressive part of the parade for him were the people themselves, highlighting that it is because of them that Croatia stands where it does today.

President of the Croatian Parliament Gordan Jandroković emphasised that the parade demonstrated everything Croatia has achieved over the past 30 years, both as a nation and as a people:

“We are proud of our achievements, and especially of our Croatian veterans, our first President Franjo Tuđman, the political leadership of the time, and all who participated in these magnificent military victories.”

Paying tribute to all who sacrificed their lives, health, and years of service in the defence of Croatia during the Homeland War, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković added:

“I am pleased that today we can all be together, and that our people can witness the strength of the Croatian state. One of the key symbols and pillars of our country is our Armed Forces, including the Army, Police, Civil Protection, the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service, and all other units in formation today.”

“I believe that everyone will feel proud of those who gave the most for Croatia,” the Prime Minister added ahead of the parade.

Citizens Witness Military Readiness and Modern Equipment During the Parade

The ceremonial military parade commenced at 5 p.m. along Vukovar Street, with the Croatian national anthem and a minute of silence in honour of all fallen, missing and deceased Croatian veterans. From the official stand at the Dr. Franjo Tuđman Monument, the parade was observed by senior state officials, representatives of the international community, and numerous invited guests.

More than 3,600 members of the Croatian Armed Forces, the Ministry of the Interior, the Civil Protection Directorate, the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service, the Judicial Police, the Croatian Firefighting Association, Croatian veterans, historical units, and allied armed forces took part in the parade.. The participation of women was particularly notable, with 217 female participants, as well as strong generational symbolism, with the youngest participant aged 18 and the oldest 63.

For the first time, personnel from partner nations also took part, including Albania, Lithuania, Hungary, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, and the Minnesota National Guard of the United States.

During the parade, citizens witnessed a spectacular display of modern weapon systems and military equipment. The aerial segment involved more than 40 aircraft, including nine Rafale multirole combat aircraft, Black Hawk and Kiowa Warrior helicopters, the Wings of Strom aerobatic display team, and Canadair firefighting aircraft. Particular attention was drawn to newly introduced combat systems, including Leopard 2A4 tanks, Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, FPV drones, and Bayraktar unmanned aerial systems.

In the motorised segment, over 500 combat and non-combat vehicles were displayed, including Patria armoured vehicles, Vulkan multiple rocket launchers, and Croatian Navy landing ships. Members of the public were also able to follow the naval flypast via large video screens, which showcased Croatia’s maritime strength and operational capabilities.

The parade demonstrated the Croatian Armed Forces’ high level of training, readiness, and professionalism, as well as their continued technological modernisation as a key component of the homeland security system. This ceremony was not only a military display. It conveyed a powerful message of unity, national pride, and gratitude to those who contributed to the creation of a free and independent Croatia.

Today’s parade once again confirmed the international reputation and standing of the Croatian Armed Forces as a reliable and equal partner within NATO and the European Union, ready to meet the challenges of the modern security environment.

The Ministry of Defence and the Croatian Armed Forces extend their sincere thanks to all participants and citizens whose presence and support ensured that this anniversary will remain permanently preserved in Croatia’s shared history.