Today I had the chance to attend the grand “Power of Unity” military parade in Novi Beograd, held in front of the Palace of Serbia. It was a hot and sunny day, and crowds of all ages gathered to witness the strength and latest developments of the Serbian Armed Forces. Standing among the spectators, I couldn’t see everything clearly—some demonstrations were easier to follow on television, such as the action-packed display by the elite “Cobras” Special Forces Detachment and the River Flotilla—but the overall atmosphere was powerful and memorable.
The event was massive in scale: around 10,000 participants took part, with about 2,500 pieces of weaponry and equipment on display. Visitors had the opportunity to see over 600 vehicles, 70 aircraft, and 20 river vessels.
The parade began with a march-past of units from all branches of the Serbian Armed Forces, joined by cadets of the Military Academy and veterans. A breathtaking 300-meter-long flag of Serbia was unfurled in a powerful display of national pride. Afterward, the Guard of the Serbian Armed Forces performed a precision drill exercise that drew loud applause.
The show then moved to the River Flotilla, led by the command ship BPN-30 Kozara, before the “Cobras” demonstrated their skills. The ground segment followed, with convoys of vehicles presenting some of the most modern weapons and equipment in the Serbian arsenal, as well as innovations from the domestic defense industry.
Spectators saw advanced air defense missile systems FK-3 and HQ-17, modern radars GM400 and GM200, combat vehicles such as Miloš, MRAP, Lazar 3, Hummer, and BOV OT, along with upgraded M-84 AS1/2/3 tanks and M80 AB1/2 infantry fighting vehicles.
Heavy artillery was also featured, including Nora 155mm self-propelled howitzers, upgraded “Gvozdika” howitzers, and the Oganj multiple rocket launchers. Modernized PASARS air defense systems, remotely piloted aircraft CH-95 and CH-92, and attack drones like Osa, Komarac 2, Shadow-25, and Shadow-50 were also showcased. Special attention went to the reconnaissance and combat drone Hermes 900 and the modular multiple rocket launcher Puls.
The highlight for many was the air segment. Modernized MiG-29s, “Orao” and “Super Galeb” jets, transport aircraft like the C-295 CASA and An-26, training planes, and a wide range of helicopters—including H-145, Mi-17, Mi-35M, “Super Puma,” “Gazelle,” and “Gama”—filled the skies. A joint flyover of Serbian MiG-29s and French Rafales added an international note to the spectacle.
For me personally, the most unforgettable moment came at the very end, when planes roared overhead and two parachutists descended, carrying the flags of Serbia and the Serbian Army.
The parade was attended by Serbian President and Supreme Commander Aleksandar Vučić, Defense Minister Bratislav Gašić, General Milan Mojsilović, Chief of the General Staff and Commander of the Parade, as well as high-ranking officials and delegations from the UAE, Bahrain, Dubai, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Hungary, Azerbaijan, France, the U.S. (Ohio National Guard), and members of the Serbian and Republika Srpska governments, along with representatives of the diplomatic and military-diplomatic corps.
Although I didn’t get to see every detail from the ground, the atmosphere of unity, pride, and power was clear throughout. The scale of the event and the sight of so many impressive machines and aircraft made this parade a truly unforgettable experience.
For more information and professional photos from the military parade, visit this page at the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Serbia website.
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