Serbia staged a significant military parade in Belgrade on October 26, 2023, marking what officials described as the largest display of military strength in the country’s history. The event showcased a range of military assets, including tanks, missile systems, and fighter jets, with approximately 10,000 troops participating. President Aleksandar Vucic oversaw the parade, emphasizing that this show of force underscores Serbia’s capability to safeguard its independence and sovereignty.
The parade took place in the New Belgrade district, where columns of troops marched while crowds waved national flags. Military aircraft flew overhead, adding to the spectacle. Among the showcased equipment were domestically produced weapons, as well as advanced systems acquired from foreign nations. Notably, the event featured rocket launchers from Israel, drones from the United Arab Emirates, tanks supplied by Russia, and anti-aircraft systems from China. This diverse array of military hardware highlights Serbia’s strategic relationships with both Moscow and Beijing, even as the country aims for European Union membership.
One of the most talked-about pieces of equipment was the Israeli PULS system, a versatile rocket artillery platform capable of launching various munitions with a range of up to 300 kilometers (185 miles). This capability allows it to cover most Balkan capitals effectively. Additionally, the presence of French Rafale fighter jets garnered attention, as Serbia has ordered 12 of these multi-purpose aircraft, set for delivery in the coming years.
Critics argue that the parade served more to reinforce Vucic’s populist rule than to genuinely showcase military strength. His administration has faced increasing challenges, including student-led protests and international scrutiny over his authoritarian governance style. Opposition leaders accuse the government of using the military parade as a political tool, while human rights groups reported that state employees were pressured to attend the event, transported by hundreds of buses.
Notably, hundreds of university students and opposition supporters, who have been protesting against corruption for over ten months, were prevented by riot police from joining the parade crowd. These protests were initially sparked by a tragic incident in November 2022, when a concrete canopy collapse at a railway station in Novi Sad resulted in 16 fatalities. The ensuing nationwide movement has sought justice for the victims and criticized corruption as a significant factor in the disaster.
Vucic has resisted calls from students and opposition figures for early parliamentary elections, opting instead to intensify measures against the protests, which have attracted significant public participation in recent months. As Serbia navigates its complex geopolitical landscape, the military parade serves as a significant marker of national pride and political maneuvering.
