This article is from the source 'rtcom' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.rt.com/russia/492779-russia-victory-day-parade/

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Novelties & battle-proven hardware on display as Russia marks 75th anniversary of Nazi defeat with grand military parade (PHOTOS) New additions & battle-proven hardware on display as Russia marks 75th anniversary of Nazi defeat with military parade (PHOTOS)
(32 minutes later)
Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, marking the historic defeat of Nazi Germany 75 years ago, culminated in a show of military prowess both in and over Moscow’s Red Square. The centrepiece of Russia’s rescheduled Victory Day celebrations, marking the historic defeat of Hitler's Germany 75 years ago, featured a show of military prowess both on the ground in Red Square and in the skies over Moscow.
Originally scheduled for May 9 but postponed due to coronavirus, the annual military event began on Wednesday morning, unfolding in front of war veterans, foreign dignitaries, and Russian VIPs. Deferred from its traditional May 9 slot due to the coronavirus pandemic, the annual event began on Wednesday morning, unfolding in front of war veterans, foreign dignitaries, and Russian VIPs.
Troops from India, China, Serbia, Mongolia, alongside a constellation of ex-Soviet nations whose people helped win the shared victory, marched through the iconic Red Square. Troops from India, China, Serbia, Mongolia, alongside those from a wide range of ex-Soviet nations - whose people also contributed to the shared victory - marched through the iconic Red Square.
As many as 14,000 Russian soldiers from all branches of the military and related bodies had been readying themselves for the parade.As many as 14,000 Russian soldiers from all branches of the military and related bodies had been readying themselves for the parade.
In a symbolic nod to their heroic predecessors, some were dressed in WWII-era uniforms.  In a symbolic nod to their heroic predecessors, some were dressed in World War Two-era uniforms. 
On display was a host of restored T-34s – the renowned workhorse of the Soviet Army’s armored corps, and one of the best tanks of the time. On display was a host of restored T-34s – the renowned workhorse of the Soviet Army’s armored corps, and arguably the best tank of its time.
Retro hardware aside, there were novelties too. An upgraded version of the T-90, fitted with a new turret and battle gear, rolled through the center of Moscow.  Retro hardware aside, there were novelties too. An upgraded version of the modern T-90, fitted with a new turret and battle gear, rolled through the center of Moscow. 
Another newcomer was the Tosochka – a lighter yet more powerful variant of the heavy TOS-1 flamethrower. The latter was not missing during the grand event either.   Another newcomer was the Tosochka – a lighter yet more powerful variant of the heavy TOS-1 flamethrower. The latter also featured at the event.
The T-14 Armata, the Russian military’s most advanced main battle tank, was also present, as were the next-generation infantry-fighting vehicles and self-propelled howitzers. While the blue-chip vehicles Armata and Kurganets-25 are not new to the parade, on Wednesday they were showcased for the first time with medium-caliber cannons and rocket launchers mounted atop their brand-new combat modules.
The T-14 Armata, the Russian military’s most advanced main battle tank, was also present, as were self-propelled howitzers.
Rocket launchers big and small, ranging from air defense systems to the heavy Yars ICBM carrier, made an appearance as well.Rocket launchers big and small, ranging from air defense systems to the heavy Yars ICBM carrier, made an appearance as well.
Unlike the 2019 Victory Day parade, when bad weather prohibited the much-awaited aerial flypast over Moscow, this year’s edition featured a massive air show that started shortly after the armored column passed. Unlike the 2019 Victory Day parade, when bad weather prohibited the much-anticipated aerial flypast over the city, this year’s edition featured a tremendous air show that started shortly after the armored column passed.
The main star was the Su-57 – a secretive stealth fighter jet set to enter service with the air force in the near future. The aircraft, already tested during the anti-terrorism campaign in Syria, will replace the older-generation Su-35 and Su-30, which also graced the skies over Moscow today in great numbers. The main star was the Su-57 – a secretive stealth fighter jet set to enter service with the air force in the near future. The aircraft, already tested during the military campaign in Syria, will replace the older-generation Su-35 and Su-30, which also graced the skies over Moscow today in great numbers.
Heavyweights such as the iconic Tu-95 and Tu-160 also flew over Red Square. The latter is about to get a crucial upgrade, allowing it to meet the high demands of 21st-century warfare. Heavyweights such as the iconic Tu-95 and Tu-160 also flew over Red Square. The latter is about to get a crucial upgrade, allowing it to meet the demands of 21st-century warfare.
The 2020 celebration’s new date of June 24 appears to have been chosen in a symbolic reference to a one-of-the-kind victory parade held in 1945 on a decree from Stalin. That historic event featured troops immediately after their return from a defeated Germany. Many of them had survived the bloodiest battles of Stalingrad and Kursk, as well as campaigns to liberate Eastern Europe. The 2020 celebration’s June 24 slot appears to have been chosen in a symbolic reference to the first victory parade held in 1945 on the same date. That historic event featured troops immediately after their return from a defeated Germany. Many of them had survived the bloodiest battles of Stalingrad and Kursk, as well as campaigns to liberate Eastern Europe.
Smaller Victory Day parades have also taken place in Russia’s other major cities. However, the authorities elsewhere limited the size of their festivities, citing health concerns. In Moscow, meanwhile, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin urged residents to watch the parade on television or online, warning that the pandemic isn’t over yet. Smaller Victory Day parades have also taken place in Russia’s other major cities. However, many limited or postponed their festivities, citing health concerns. 
Like this story? Share it with a friend!Like this story? Share it with a friend!