On September 20, 2025, the streets of Belgrade pulsed with spectacle and symbolism as Serbia staged what officials described as the largest military parade in the nation’s history. Under the banner "The Power of Unity," the event unfolded before the imposing Palace of Serbia, marking the Day of Serbian Unity, Freedom and the National Flag—a holiday woven tightly with themes of national pride and resilience.
The parade, according to the Serbian Ministry of Defence and as reported by Xinhua and Euronews, brought together an impressive array of military might: about 10,000 personnel, 2,500 pieces of weaponry and equipment, more than 600 vehicles, 70 aircraft, and 20 vessels. The opening moments set the tone for the day: the Guard Orchestra of the Army performed the Serbian national anthem, while cadets from the Military Academy carried a 300-meter-long Serbian flag across the square—a vivid gesture underscoring unity and patriotic fervor.
President Aleksandar Vucic, flanked by Minister of Defense Bratislav Gašić and Chief of the General Staff General Milan Mojsilović, reviewed the troops and addressed the nation’s citizens, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the event. "We worked on this together—soldiers and citizens, state and people. This is both the survival and the victory of Serbia, which wants peace and prosperity and knows how to protect its dignity, territory and future," Vucic declared on social media, as cited by Xinhua.
Yet, the parade was not just an exercise in pageantry. For military experts and close observers, it was a rare opportunity to survey the depth and diversity of Serbia’s evolving defense partnerships. According to the Associated Press and Euronews, the event showcased a mix of domestically produced weaponry alongside high-profile acquisitions from abroad. Of particular note was the Israeli PULS rocket artillery system, a versatile platform capable of launching munitions up to 300 kilometers—its reach extending to most Balkan capitals. The parade also featured Russian-supplied tanks, Chinese anti-aircraft systems, drones purchased from the United Arab Emirates, and a surprise appearance by French Rafale fighter jets. Serbia has ordered a dozen of these multi-role aircraft, which are due for delivery in the coming years.
This international mix of hardware, as highlighted by Euronews, signaled Serbia’s intention to modernize its defense capabilities while maintaining a delicate diplomatic balance. The country is surrounded by NATO member states, yet it continues to cultivate strong ties with Moscow and Beijing—even as it voices aspirations to join the European Union. Analysts quoted by Euronews suggested the parade was a symbolic response to the growing arms race in the region, showing both a sovereign approach to defense and a willingness to diversify alliances.
But the day’s choreography was not without controversy. Critics, including opposition leaders and rights groups, accused the government of using the military as a political prop to shore up President Vucic’s increasingly embattled rule. As reported by the Associated Press, some state employees were pressured to attend the parade, transported by the busload to fill out the crowds. Riot police prevented hundreds of university students and opposition supporters—many of whom have been protesting for more than ten months—from joining the parade’s spectators.
The roots of these protests stretch back to November 2024, when a concrete canopy collapsed at a renovated train station in Novi Sad, killing 16 people. The tragedy ignited a nationwide movement demanding justice for the victims and accountability for what protesters described as corruption-fueled negligence. The demonstrations have since grown into a broader anti-corruption campaign, with students and opposition groups calling for early parliamentary elections and greater transparency. President Vucic has thus far refused these demands, instead stepping up the crackdown on dissent. “The anti-government protests first started in November last year after a concrete canopy collapse at a renovated train station in the northern city of Novi Sad killed 16 people. It ignited a nationwide movement seeking justice for the victims and blaming corruption-fueled negligence for the tragedy,” reported the Associated Press.
As the parade unfolded, the contrast between the official celebration and the simmering unrest outside could not have been starker. While columns of soldiers marched and aircraft roared overhead, hundreds of opposition supporters were kept at bay by police cordons. For some, the spectacle was a proud assertion of national strength and unity; for others, it was a display of government control and a distraction from pressing domestic issues.
Despite the political tensions, the parade’s scale and choreography were undeniably impressive. The Ministry of Defence highlighted the involvement of 10,000 personnel and 2,500 pieces of equipment, with the participation of more than 600 vehicles, 70 aircraft, and 20 vessels—a logistical feat by any measure. The event’s symbolism, from the massive national flag to the diverse array of international weaponry, was carefully crafted to project both unity and modernity.
Internationally, the parade drew attention for its display of new defense partnerships. The inclusion of French Rafale jets, Israeli missile systems, and Chinese anti-aircraft technology underscored Serbia’s growing role as a regional military player. According to Euronews, “the parade underscores the country’s intention to modernize its defense potential and expand international defense ties.” The acquisition of advanced systems from such a broad spectrum of suppliers was seen by some experts as a message to both neighbors and potential allies: Serbia is ready to defend its sovereignty, but also open to cooperation.
Not everyone was convinced by the message, however. Opposition leaders argued that the true purpose of the parade was to bolster Vucic’s populist image amid mounting challenges to his authority. “Critics said the parade was designed less to showcase the strength of the military than to bolster Vucic’s populist rule that has been challenged by student-led protests and growing international scrutiny of his increasingly authoritarian grip on power,” reported the Associated Press. Rights groups echoed these concerns, pointing to the heavy police presence and reports of state employees being compelled to attend.
Still, for many ordinary Serbians, the parade was a moment of collective pride and a rare chance to see the nation’s military up close. Children waved flags, families posed for photos with soldiers, and the city buzzed with excitement—at least, in the official viewing areas. The event’s organizers were keen to stress the theme of unity, with President Vucic stating, “This is both the survival and the victory of Serbia, which wants peace and prosperity and knows how to protect its dignity, territory and future.”
As the dust settled and the crowds dispersed, the parade left behind a city divided—between celebration and protest, pride and skepticism. For Serbia, the day was both a showcase of military strength and a mirror reflecting the country’s complex political landscape. The spectacle may have ended, but the questions it raised—about power, unity, and the future of Serbian democracy—remain very much alive.