May 9, 2024 is russia’s Victory Day which commemorates russia’s victory over Nazism in the Great Patriotic War. The major parade took place in Moscow with President Vladimir Putin presiding, following his inauguration on May 7. Victory day parades were cancelled in 24 cities, primarily those cities in regions that border Ukraine, likely due to poor security. This compares to 21 cancelled parades in 2023, the UK Defense Intelligence reports.
Although the fly-past was reinstated, with nine Su-30SM and MiG-29 aircraft, as well as six Su-25 attack aircraft, the Moscow parade was reduced in scale with less modern military equipment on display when compared to pre-war parades.
Read more: The UK Defense Intelligence Analyzes 200% Increase in russian Attacks
Of the 30 units on parade over two-thirds were sourced from military academies, youth and veteran groups. There were also domestic security and emergency service groups on parade. In total, 9,000 military cadets, veterans and service personnel took part. This compares to 8,000 in 2023 but lower than the 2021 pre-Ukraine war parade of 11,000.
Whilst there were 61 military vehicles on display, there was an absence of heavy armoured vehicles or tracked military vehicles. The lone ceremonial second world war era T-34 tank which traditionally starts the parade, was the sole main battle tank present. This contrasts with the 2020 Moscow parade which included 20 main battle tanks.
With the significant losses in russian personnel and equipment as a result of the Ukraine war there was no opportunity for russia to use the parades to demonstrate military strength.
Read more: The UK Defense Intelligence Confirms russia Upgrades its Kh-101 Missile with Dual Warheads
