On Belgium’s National Day Kyiv’s Presidential Guard joined a ceremonial parade in central Brussels. The appearance highlighted military cooperation and drew attention to modern aircraft and vehicles.
On July 21, in Belgium’s National Day celebration, 23 Ukrainian service members marched through Brussels’ central streets during the ceremonial parade.
According to the agency’s own correspondent, representatives of the Presidential Guard joined the parade and marched from Palace Square, where the Royal Palace is located.
Participation and Formation of the Column
In the marching portion of the parade, units of the land, air, sea, and medical forces were represented, as well as cadets studying at local academies. Representatives of several NATO allied countries joined them.
Civil authorities were represented by police, firefighters, civil defense forces, and Red Cross personnel.
Equipment and Aircraft at the Parade
The parade featured military and special equipment, including the modern Griffon (VBMR) multi-role armored vehicle, 30-mm direct-fire cannons, IFVs Piranha IIIC and DF30, mobile infantry vehicles Dingo 2 MPPV, LMV Falcon (in configurations for fire support and with a counter-battery radar), 105-mm howitzers, 120-mm mortars, heavy transports Scania and Bison, Caterpillar D6H bulldozers, heavy/light armored logistics and engineering vehicles Piranha and Buffalo, as well as Pandur ambulances, armored evacuation Griffon Sanitair, and Astra and Taurus transport trucks.
In the air portion of the parade, the new F-35A Lightning II fighters took part – recently purchased by Belgium from the United States and stationed at Florennes Air Base. Along with them in the sky appeared F-16 jets familiar to Ukrainians.
Also in the Brussels sky, spectators saw Hercules C-130 military transport aircraft and Airbus refueling aircraft.
Alongside manned air assets, a MQ-9B SkyGuardian reconnaissance drone participated in the parade, as well as a World War II-era Supermarine Spitfire and SIAI-Marchetti SF.260 trainer aircraft.
On July 21, Belgians celebrate National Day, a date linked to 1831 when Leopold I took an oath to the Constitution and became the first king of an independent Belgium.
Earlier Ukrainian service members and pilots took part in the traditional Paris parade on France’s National Day on July 14 at the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
The parade underscored the friendly ties between the countries and the continuation of joint security efforts in Europe.