English Section

Poland readies for massive military parade

08.08.2023 08:30
After a break of three years, Poland will hold a military parade to mark Armed Forces Day on August 15, officials have confirmed.
Mariusz Błaszczak
Mariusz BłaszczakPAP/Artur Reszko

More than 90 airplanes and helicopters, 200 military vehicles and over 2,000 troops will take part in the event in Warsaw, according to Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak.

"Among the equipment on display will be M1A1 Abrams tanks bought from the US, K2 tanks and K9 self-propelled howitzers purchased from South Korea, HIMARS rocket launchers, Krab self-propelled cannon howitzers, Turkish Bayraktar TB2 combat drones, and Patriot air defense sets," the Polish defence ministry said in an announcement.

"Polish-made equipment will include new Borsuk infantry fighting vehicles, Rosomak armored personnel carriers and Rak self-propelled mortars, as well as Baobab-K erratic mine-laying vehicles and Żmija light reconnaissance vehicles," it added.

Meanwhile, "the new FA-50, as well as F-16 multi-role combat aircraft and drones" and other aircraft will streak the skies in "a display of the craftsmanship of Polish pilots," according to the announcement.

In addition to the parade, military picnics and other attractions are planned throughout the country in a four-day celebration from August 12 to 15, the Polish defence ministry said on Monday.

Ahead of Armed Forces Day, President Andrzej Duda has promoted 21 Polish Army officers to the ranks of general and admiral, his aides have said.

The August 15 holiday marks Poland’s landmark victory against the Russian Bolsheviks in the 1920 Battle of Warsaw, in which Polish troops led by Marshal Józef Piłsudski defeated an advancing Red Army.

The 1920 Battle of Warsaw has been listed among the most important battles that have decided the fate of the world.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAPgov.pl