On Tuesday, July 14th, France held its largest-ever Bastille Day military parade on the Champs-Elysées Avenue in the capital city of Paris. The event was attended by over twenty foreign leaders to showcase France’s military power and European unity. This was also President Macron’s last time presiding over the Bastille Day parade during his term.
The parade featured nearly 6,700 soldiers, 98 military aircraft, 31 helicopters, and 315 military vehicles, marching along the traditional parade route from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde.
As in previous years, the parade began with a performance by the renowned French Patrouille de France aerobatic display team, followed by two French Mirage 2000 fighter jets. Aircraft from ten European allies including the UK, Norway, and Poland also participated in the aerial display.
Notably, this year’s parade not only brought together thousands of French soldiers but also welcomed 24 European heads of state and government leaders, such as Ukrainian President Zelensky and outgoing UK Prime Minister Starmar. Additionally, hundreds of European soldiers participated in the event.
The Élysée Palace stated that the record number of military personnel participating in the parade aimed to showcase France’s military modernization, its strategic autonomy, and the strategic awakening of Europe.