Parade to mark the Day of the Polish Army opens in Warsaw
On August 14 and 15, a grand parade will unfold along Wisłostrada to celebrate the Day of the Polish Army. The Defense Minister, Mariusz Błaszczak, extended a cordial invitation to residents of Warsaw and Mazowsze, as well as visitors from across Poland, to join in observing the ceremonies on August 15. The minister spoke at a Sunday press conference held in Warsaw, encouraging the public to come together and express appreciation for the service of the armed forces, particularly for their role along the Polish Belarusian border.
The upcoming parade is described as a departure from past displays. Officials indicate that the event will visibly reflect the ongoing modernization of the Polish armed forces, showcasing new capabilities and upgraded equipment that underline the changes in air and land power over recent years.
According to the defense leadership, the spectacle will feature a mix of state-of-the-art systems. Among the highlights are combat platforms acquired from international allies, including tanks and artillery pieces procured in North America and Asia. The parade is expected to include more than 200 combat outfits and more than 90 aircraft, illustrating a substantial leap in the nation’s defense readiness and mobility.
In addition to foreign-built machines, attention will focus on equipment produced by Polish defense facilities. The defense minister highlighted the homegrown fleet as a core element of the parade, pointing to several prominent vehicles that demonstrate the strength of the domestic industry. Foremost among these is the Borsuk infantry fighting vehicle, which is slated to debut during the August 15 ceremonies. The lineup will also feature the Baobab scatter minelaying vehicle, as well as a broader family of armored and support platforms produced by Polish manufacturers. The Rosomak wheeled armored personnel carrier, the Rak self-propelled mortars, and the Krab howitzers are cited as prime examples of reliable, locally produced equipment that the nation takes pride in presenting to the public.
The defense minister spoke with confidence about the quality and reliability of the Polish-made systems, underscoring the significance of a robust domestic defense industry in ensuring strategic independence and continuous modernization of the armed forces. The message from Warsaw emphasized that the modernized force combines proven platforms with new technologies, aiming to enhance interoperability with international partners while strengthening national security along critical border regions.
Observers note that the parade will offer a clear demonstration of how Poland’s military capabilities have evolved. The event is framed as both a celebration and a demonstration of readiness, inviting the public to witness equipment that embodies decades of research, development, and manufacturing within the Polish defense sector. The minister’s remarks highlighted pride in the breadth of local production, along with the strategic value of ongoing upgrades in collaboration with allied nations.
As the day approaches, officials reiterate the importance of public participation and national unity. The parade serves not only as a ceremonial tribute to service members but also as a visible milestone in the broader modernization program that keeps the Polish armed forces capable of addressing contemporary security challenges on the European stage.
mly/PAP
Source: wPolityce