The Bastille Day military parade on July 14th will begin this year with the participation of 500 soldiers from the "Coalition of the Willing," the Élysée Palace announced. These soldiers, representing countries willing to contribute to future security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire, will lead the parade down the Champs-Élysées. Twenty-five Ukrainian soldiers will also march alongside them before some thirty invited heads of state and government.
For the French presidency, this event is intended to illustrate the strengthening of European cooperation in the face of new security threats. The 2026 edition of the parade will be the last one presided over by Emmanuel Macron, intends to highlight the strategic rearmament of France and the growing role of European armies.
A parade marked by rearmament
The ceremony will bring together a record number of approximately 6,800 troops on foot, with a 30% increase in vehicles and aircraft compared to previous years. Several foreign leaders, including the Ukrainian president, will be present. Volodymyr Zelenskyare expected in Paris.
The parade will also showcase recent developments in French military capabilities. For the first time, aircraft equipped with dummy weapons will participate in the parade, and helicopters will fly above the armored vehicles to simulate the conditions of a modern operational engagement. The air component will also include international crews, notably two Ukrainian co-pilots.
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