Missile Launchers, Tanks in Russia’s Victory Day Parade
Russia’s annual Victory Day parade has taken place in Moscow featuring – for the first time in many years – intercontinental missile launchers and tanks among the military hardware on show.
According to recently-inaugurated Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, the Russian Navy and Russian Army were growing in strength.
Russian Armed Forces
A number of analysts have said that the parade’s purpose was to showcase the power and might of the Russian armed forces. However, according to the Kremlin, the parade – a yearly commemoration of the end of World War Two – was not intended as a threatening statement.
“Our army and navy are gaining strength", Mr Medvedev said, adding: “... in their power today lies the historical glory of Russian arms, therein lies the traditions of victory and the high spirit of our army."
Earlier on, former President Vladimir Putin had stressed that the inclusion of heavy armament in the event was “not sabre-rattling”, rather “a demonstration of our growing defence capability”.
T-90 Tanks, Topol-M Ballistic Missiles
On the ground, 8,000 Russian Army soldiers marched by, while T-90 tanks and Topol-M ballistic missiles were also on show.
Warplanes, Transport Aircraft Flypasts
In the air, images broadcast from the event showed flypasts made by warplanes and transport aircraft. These included an Antonov An-124 heavylift transporter flanked by two Sukhoi combat jets, followed by a Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack strategic bomber, this time with a Mig 25/31 off each wing.
Subsequently, the crowds below watched as four Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoots passed over Red Square, then a nine-ship formation featuring elements of the Russian Air Force’s two display teams – the Russian Knights and the Swifts.
According to reports, Red Square’s cobbles were strengthened prior to the parade, in order to support the heavy machinery that rolled over them during the event.
Long-Range Patrol Flights
In August 2007, Russia formally resumed the practice of long-range patrol flights, frequently undertaken by Cold War-era Tupolev Tu-95 Bears.
However, despite these, and the military display put on today in Moscow, there remain serious deficits within the Russian armed forces, analysts say.
They highlight financial issues, a lack of training and low morale amongst personnel, as well as other factors.
Source – Armed Forces International’s East European Correspondent
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