Poland demonstrated its advanced weapons, tanks, aircraft, and defense equipment in the biggest military parade since the Cold War, on August 15, 2023. The NATO member state displayed military strength amid the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions with Belarus.
The parade involved more than 2,000 Polish service members, 200 units of local and foreign-made military equipment, and 92 aircraft. The Defense Ministry of Poland said that the military parade was held to celebrate the country’s Army Day.
Poland’s military parade featured a wide range of defense equipment including HIMARS mobile artillery systems, Patriot missile systems, Abrams tanks, Krab tracked gun howitzers, Rosomak armored personnel carrier, as well as recently acquired South Korean FA-50 and U.S.-made F-16 and F-35 fighter jets.
The parade also featured several aircraft including Apache Black Hawk helicopters, AgustaWestland AW101 helicopters, AgustaWestland AW-149 multi-role military helicopters, EF-2000Â Eurofighter Typhoon jets, M-346 BIELIK military trainer jet, C-295M CASA medium tactical transport aircraft, Gulfstream G550 aircraft, and drones.
Minister @mblaszczak: Long gone are the days when the Polish Army had to be ashamed of the equipment and conditions in which it serves. Today we show our strength and modernity. 🇵🇱 army is professional and have the highest quality equipment that we have bought in recent years. pic.twitter.com/XcRbpHIFw3
— Poland MOD 🇵🇱 (@Poland_MOD) August 15, 2023
Poland’s President Andrzej Duda, who arrived at the parade in a military vehicle, said that “The defense of our eastern border, the border of the European Union and of NATO is today a key element of Poland’s state interest.” He also emphasized the importance of protecting Poland’s eastern front as war rages between Russia and Ukraine.
“The goal of this huge modernization is to equip Poland’s armed forces and create such a defense system that no one ever dares attack us, that Polish soldiers will never need to fight,” Duda added.
Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said in his speech, “August 15 is not only an opportunity to pay homage to the heroes of the victorious Battle of Warsaw and to thank contemporary soldiers for defending our homeland.” He added, “It is also a perfect day to show our strength, to show that we have built powerful armed forces that will effectively defend our borders without hesitation.”
The decision to hold a large-scale parade was mainly due to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. By displaying military strength Poland aims to dissuade potential actions from the Russian and Belarusian forces along its borders.
In recent years, Poland has paced efforts to modernize its military and acquire modern military equipment from the United States, South Korea, and Sweden. The Polish armed forces have recently acquired modern fighter jets, tanks, missile defense systems, and interceptors.
