France showcases military strength at Bastille Day

France is hosting a grand Bastille Day celebration in Paris, with troops and warplanes from across Europe participating in a show of unity and military strength. The event aims to convey a strong message to Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump, affirming Europe’s resolve to defend itself.

President Emmanuel Macron, presiding over his last Bastille Day as president, is welcoming around 30 international leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The gathering is intended to showcase unwavering support for Ukraine and highlight the continent’s collective military strength.

The centerpiece of the celebration is the Paris parade, which will feature troops from around Europe, including Ukrainian troops, marching along the Champs-Elysees avenue. Ukrainian co-pilots trained in France will also fly Mirage 2000B fighter jets alongside French air force pilots. Aircraft from several European countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, and Italy, will take part in the parade.

This year’s parade will set a record in terms of the number of troops participating, with 6,800 troops taking part, compared to 5,810 in 2025. However, the celebration is being disrupted by raging forest fires and a red-alert heat wave, which have forced the cancellation of traditional fireworks and firefighters’ balls in some regions.

Despite the challenges, the Eiffel Tower’s fireworks and drone show was maintained, with a drone formation shaped like the Statue of Liberty. The celebration commemorates the start of the French Revolution, which began on July 14, 1789, when Parisians stormed the Bastille fortress and prison.

Bastille Day is a significant event in the French calendar, with presidents using it to vaunt France’s accomplishments and national pride. Mayors host village festivals, and families gather for holiday meals. This year’s celebration is particularly significant, given the current geopolitical tensions and the need for European unity.