Serbia's Largest Military Parade Draws Opposition Criticism Amid Ongoing Protests

Belgrade Hosts Historic Military Display

Belgrade, Serbia – On September 20, 2025, Serbia held its largest military parade in history, an event officially named 'The Power of Unity.' The grand display took place in the capital, showcasing an impressive array of military capabilities and personnel. Approximately 10,000 troops participated, alongside an estimated 2,500 to 2,600 pieces of military equipment, including over 600 vehicles, 70 aircraft, and 20 vessels. Cadets from the Military Academy carried a 300-meter-long Serbian flag, emphasizing national solidarity.

The parade, which unfolded in front of the Palace of Serbia and through the New Belgrade district, was held to mark the 'Day of Serbian Unity, Freedom, and the National Flag.' President Aleksandar Vucic reviewed the troops, describing the event as 'a source of pride for Serbia' and a demonstration of the nation's ability to defend its independence and sovereignty. He stated, 'This is Serbia's survival and victory, a Serbia that wants peace and prosperity, and knows how to preserve its dignity, territory, and future.'

Showcasing Diverse Military Hardware

The military spectacle featured a wide range of equipment, highlighting Serbia's diverse defense acquisitions and its geopolitical balancing act. The showcased hardware included:

• Domestically produced weapons
• Israeli PULS rocket systems
• Russian tanks
• Chinese anti-aircraft systems, including CH-92A combat drones and HQ-22 systems
• Drones from the United Arab Emirates
• French Rafale fighter jets, with Serbia having ordered 12 of these multi-purpose aircraft

This display underscored Serbia's commitment to rearming, with President Vucic noting that 'Everyone is arming to the teeth. The region is also arming, and it is our duty not to fall behind.'

Opposition and Student Protesters Voice Strong Criticism

Despite the government's portrayal of national pride, the parade faced significant criticism from opposition groups and student protesters. Critics accused the event of being a 'political prop' for President Vucic and a 'politicization of the armed forces,' designed to bolster his populist rule amidst mounting challenges.

Several hundred people staged a protest elsewhere in Belgrade, while hundreds of university students and other opposition supporters were prevented by riot police and gendarmerie from approaching the parade route. These student-led anti-corruption protests have been ongoing for over 10 months, initially sparked by the collapse of a railway station building in Novi Sad in November 2024, which resulted in 16 fatalities. Protesters have consistently demanded early elections and a crackdown on corruption.

Student demonstrators issued a statement asserting that 'the current government has, over the past 13 years, actively undermined the integrity, reputation, independence, and apolitical nature of our army.' Rights groups also reported that some state employees were pressured to attend the parade and were transported in hundreds of buses, further fueling accusations of political manipulation.

Official Rejection of Criticism

In response to the criticism, Milan Mojsilović, Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Army, rejected the accusations, labeling them as 'manipulation.' He stated that the Serbian army does not wish to be involved in politics and that the parade's message was one of 'joy and happiness for friends and allies and perhaps anger and nervousness for others.'