Key Takeaways
- France held its largest-ever national day parade on July 14, 2026.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was the guest of honour at the event.
- The parade featured thousands of French troops and foreign heads of state.
France celebrated its national day with a grand military parade on July 14, 2026, marking the storming of the Bastille fortress during the French Revolution. The event, which was the largest in history, saw thousands of French troops march alongside representatives from over two dozen countries, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
President Emmanuel Macron presided over the parade, which took place on the Champs-Elysees Avenue and featured a mix of ground and air displays. The event was designed to showcase France’s military might and unity with its allies in the face of global challenges.
Ukrainian troops marched alongside their French counterparts during the parade, highlighting the close ties between the two nations following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. President Zelensky participated in a family photo with other heads of state at the end of the event, underscoring the international support for Ukraine’s cause.
The air show included performances by France’s Air and Space Army Mirage 2000 D and 2000-5 aircrafts. The Patrouille de France, France's elite aerobatic flying team, also performed a spectacular flyover, releasing trails of the national colours as they flew over iconic Parisian landmarks.
The parade featured various military units, including the mounted Republican Guard (Guarde Republicaine) and members of the Naval Aviation Force Flotilla 36F. Drones from the Naval Aviation Force were also on display during the air show, adding to the technological advancements showcased by France’s armed forces.
French troops marched in formation, with units such as the 12th Cuirassier Regiment Contact Block (12e régiment de cuirassiers – bloc mêlée/contact) taking part. The parade also included a display of motorised vehicles, demonstrating the latest military technology and equipment used by France’s Armed Forces.
The event concluded with a flyover by military aircrafts performing over the Arc de Triomphe du Carroussel and its copy of the quadriga of the horses of Saint Mark. The parade was a testament to France's commitment to maintaining strong alliances and showcasing its military capabilities.
