Power of unity: Serbia’s largest military parade took off

On September 20, the
Serbian armed forces
presented their entire range of capabilities at a parade in Belgrade under the motto “The Power of Unity”. An impressive spectrum was on display – from ultra-modern weapons systems of the land forces to rare and historic aircraft, which our editor Willem-Sander Termorshuizen was also able to experience up close at Batajnica Air Base.

Aviation highlights: Rare birds flying in formation

The aerial segment of the parade was described by aviation portal Tango Six as “perhaps the most impressive operational performance” of the entire event. For ten minutes, spectators were able to see almost the entire Serbian Air Force and Air Defense (RV i PVO) in the air – a rare sight, even for experienced aviation fans.

The most important highlights included:

• Nine MiG-29SM+ fighters, armed with R-77 medium-range air-to-air missiles, flew in public for the first time – a significant milestone for Serbia’s air combat capabilities.

• The MiGs flew in joint formation with French Rafale B jets – a highly symbolic moment in view of the upcoming
  upcoming influx of Rafale fighter jets to the Serbian Air Force
  .

The public debut of the R-77 missile system, which had previously only been mentioned in reports but never shown in flight, marks a step towards greater deterrence capability and operational transparency of the Serbian Air Force.

A number of uniquely configured aircraft, which are rarely seen in public, also attracted particular attention:

• NJ-22 Orao (registration 25505): A fighter aircraft from Yugoslav production, still in service. The two-seater NJ-22 Orao (serial number 014DY) was manufactured in September 1987. After being transferred from the Aviation Museum to the Aeronautical Institute “Moma Stanojlović”, it completed its first flight after a general overhaul at the beginning of this year. Although it took part in the overflights, it has not yet been handed over to any operational squadron.

• Super Galeb N-62T (registration 23601): A modified version of the classic G-4 training aircraft, now used for target towing missions and the oldest of its type (built in 1980). It has been extensively overhauled in recent years.

• Piper PA-31-220T Seneca V (YU-VGI): A civilian aircraft adapted for military aerial photography.

• Casa C-295M: Only one operational aircraft took part, as the second aircraft remained on the ground due to lengthy maintenance work.

These aircraft, a mix of proven platforms and modern adaptations, illustrated Serbia’s desire to maintain a versatile and resilient air fleet.

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Airplanes at the parade

Helicopter at the parade

The Serbian Ministry of Defense confirmed the participation of over 70 aircraft, including helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.

Symbolism and strategy

Beyond mere technology, the parade was a strategic signal: it demonstrated the further development of the Serbian defense doctrine, the investment in national arms production and the determination to defend national sovereignty.

Conclusion

The Belgrade Parade 2025 was more than just a show of force – it was a commitment to unity, modernization and national pride. With rare aircraft in the sky and an impressively diverse air fleet, Serbia presented itself as a regional military power that knows how to combine tradition and innovation.

Here
for more news about the Serbian armed forces.