Poland holds biggest military parade in decades, as its clout in Europe grows

Poland held its largest military parade in more than three decades on Sunday, showcasing the country’s growing military power amid mounting geopolitical tensions in the region. Tens of thousands of troops from a half-dozen countries — including the United States — paraded through downtown Warsaw in an impressive show of strength and unity. The event was the largest since Poland resumed independence in 1989, and a powerful signal of the country’s growing clout in Europe. The parade, which featured both Polish and foreign soldiers, displayed the country’s advancing defense capabilities over the past decade. It was held to commemorate the centenary of Poland’s regained independence following its battle against Germany and Russia during World War I. The event featured marching soldiers, tanks and military aircrafts, as well as displays of the country’s highly advanced precision-guided weapon systems. The U.S. was represented by M1 tanks and an armoured personnel carrier as well as army personnel. Poland also used the occasion to showcase its growing strength, parading some of its most advanced weapons, such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter planes and state-of-the-art ground-to-air missile system. The parade also served as a show of solidarity between the two nations, highlighting the long-standing relationship between the U.S. and Poland, which has grown stronger in recent years. Both countries have been increasingly focused on containing Russian expansionism in Europe and particularly in Eastern Europe. The event further underlined Poland’s growing military stature and its ability to project hard power to defend its regional interests, as well as its resilience against potential threats to its sovereignty.