On the 30th anniversary of Operation Storm, a grand military parade will take place today, on the 31st of July 2025, at 5 p.m. in the centre of Zagreb. The event, which symbolises a key moment in the history of modern Croatia, is expected to be one of the largest military spectacles in recent years. Foreign forces from nine countries will also participate in the parade, as it is an internationally recognised symbol of alliance values. Soldiers from these countries will also carry their national flags, but the Slovenian flag will not be present at the parade. We asked the Ministry of Defence why that is.
The military parade will take place along the street named after the city of Vukovar in Zagreb, and approximately 3,400 members of the armed forces of the Republic of Croatia, the Ministry of the Interior, the Civil Protection Administration, the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service, the Judicial Police, the Croatian Firefighters Association, as well as veterans of the Homeland War, historical units, and allied forces will all be part of the parade in question.
In addition to the Croatian Armed Forces, members of NATO member states, such as the United States of America, Poland, Lithuania, Slovakia, Hungary, and others, will also participate in the ceremonial military parade, demonstrating their support for Croatia and joint security efforts within the alliance.
However, despite the historical ties between Slovenia and Croatia during the breakup of Yugoslavia and mutual assistance at key moments of independence and war, there will be no representatives of the Slovenian army at the parade. This is a scandal of sorts, which requires an explanation from the Slovenian authorities.
A spectacular event
The motorised and mechanised part of the parade, in which more than 500 vehicles will participate, will attract particular attention.
Visitors can also look forward to an impressive air show, which will take place above Zagreb. More than 40 aircraft and helicopters of the Croatian Air Forces and the Ministry of the Interior will be presented in the air – from well-known transport and combat helicopters to the latest Rafale multi-role combat aircraft, which Croatia has included in its military arsenal in recent years.
The display will be complemented by a video broadcast of a parade of the Croatian Navy, which will showcase the operation of ships and vessels of various types and purposes. The Navy will thus emphasise the importance of maritime forces in the country’s defence system.
The event will also be an opportunity to showcase the latest military equipment. Bayraktar drones, Leopard tanks, and FPV unmanned systems will be presented to the public in detail for the first time, symbolising the technological progress and modernisation of the Croatian army.
In addition to the military aspect, the parade will also be rich in cultural events. The audience will be treated to a diverse cultural and artistic program that will highlight the importance of Operation Storm in shaping modern Croatian statehood.
The extensive security and organisational apparatus expects a large turnout of citizens and distinguished domestic and foreign guests. The event will not only be an opportunity to celebrate military success, but also a powerful political and symbolic moment for the current Croatian government.
Sara Kovač
