Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of neighboring Ukraine, Poland marked its traditional Armed Forces Day on Saturday with a parade of soldiers and ultramodern military equipment that stretched for several kilometers.
About 2.000 soldiers marched through central Warsaw, the PAP news agency reported.
Also on display were numerous types of military vehicles and military equipment, including modern South Korean K2 Black Panther tanks, 180 of which were purchased by Seoul last November.
Among the planes and helicopters simultaneously flying over the city's rooftops were reportedly three German fighter jets, in a show of solidarity with NATO allies. Poland has been a member of the military alliance since 1999.
"The Polish people know very well the price they paid for their independence," said President Karol Nawrocki, adding that this history contributes to a correct assessment of current threats.
The right-wing conservative politician and historian spoke of "a day of dedication to the present and the future."
The Battle of Warsaw and the historical context
On August 15, Poland commemorates the Battle of Warsaw, which took place in 1920. Afterward, the young Polish state successfully repelled the attack of the powerful Soviet Red Army. The Polish-Soviet War ended in 1921, with the Treaty of Riga. Since 1992, August 15 has been celebrated as Polish Armed Forces Day.
The EU supports investments in defense
This year's celebrations were held under the motto "Poland SAFE - Safe Poland", referring to the EU's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme adopted last year. Through SAFE, the EU will provide up to €150 billion in long-term loans to strengthen European defence capabilities and support the defence industry.
Poland is the largest single beneficiary of the SAFE program, with a total of almost 44 billion euros approved.
