France Showcases Military Power with Grand Parade on Bastille Day

Bastille Day Ceremony Held on the Champs-Elysees
Showcasing France's Military Strength and Tradition

France showcased its national defense capabilities with a traditional military parade in celebration of Bastille Day.

According to the French daily Le Figaro and other sources, France held a ceremony on the Champs-?lys?es at 10 a.m. local time on July 14 to mark Bastille Day. France has held a large-scale military parade every year to commemorate the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789, which served as the catalyst for the French Revolution.

Military parade held on the Champs-?lys?es in Paris. Photo by AFP.

After more than 100 aircraft completed a flyover parade, approximately 5,600 infantry marched down the Champs-?lys?es. About 250 military vehicles and 200 horses from the Republican Guard also participated in the procession. This year, the main contingent in the parade was from the 7th Armored Brigade of the French Army. They concluded the march in combat uniforms in accordance with operational unit organization.

The French Army is parading on the Champs-?lys?es in Paris. Photo by AFP Yonhap News.

Loic Mazoin, Paris military commander, explained to local media that "as of 2025, this demonstrates that the Army can deploy a brigade at the President's command," emphasizing that the event was intended to showcase the military's operational capabilities.

The previous day, President Emmanuel Macron told military officials, "Since 1945, freedom has never been so threatened," adding, "There is no longer a rear or a front line. As Europeans, we must guarantee our own security." He went on to say, "This means we must strengthen our capabilities, our power, and the entire nation," announcing that the national defense budget will be increased to 64 billion euros (approximately 103 trillion won) by 2027.

Local media reported that this year, Indonesia, celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations with France, was invited as the guest of honor, and about 450 Indonesian soldiers also took part in the military parade.

In the evening, a spectacular fireworks display is scheduled near the Eiffel Tower, with 1,100 drones set to light up the night sky. Before the fireworks, a classical concert will be held on the Champ de Mars in front of the Eiffel Tower.