PHOTOS: Croatian army and navy in final rehearsal ahead of massive national parade

(Photos: HRM/ B. Gaćina-Bilin/MORH/ T. Brandt)

ZAGREB, 24 July 2025 – The Croatian Armed Forces are entering the final stages of preparation for a grand military parade to be held on 31 July in Zagreb, marking the 30th anniversary of Operation Storm.

The parade will bring together all branches of the Croatian Armed Forces and homeland security components.

Around 3,400 personnel will take part across more than 20 echelons, supported by over 500 combat and non-combat vehicles.

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

At the “Colonel Marko Živković” barracks in Pleso, over 2,200 troops are training in perfect synchrony. Intensive drills began on 14 July, with all units coming together after practising individually at their home bases.

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

“This parade has special meaning because representatives of every branch and unit of the Croatian Army are gathered in one place,” explained Major Dragan Košćak, coordinating officer for the infantry unit training. He highlighted that 188 flags will be carried during the event, symbolising all wartime units from the Homeland War, including those from the Ministry of the Interior who defended Croatia.

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

Particular focus is being placed not only on precision and coordination but also on visual presentation. Every member knows their exact role and position. Officers overseeing protocol and training are monitoring every detail closely.

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

Lieutenant Nikola Prgomet, of the 3rd Mechanised Battalion “Pauci”, shared his pride: “It is an honour to represent the successor unit of the legendary 4th Guards Brigade. Marching in unison is a core soldiering skill we regularly train. This event gives us the chance to honour all veterans who fought for Croatia’s freedom.”

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

Cadets are also participating for the first time. Cadet Senior Sergeant Filip Perić expressed his excitement: “It is impressive to see all echelons of the Armed Forces assembled. There is a real sense of unity and anticipation. This is a historic moment, not just for the military but for the whole country.”

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

Navy Ready for Sea Parade

Meanwhile, members of the Croatian Navy are conducting final rehearsals for the maritime component of the celebration. From 21 to 24 July, around 200 naval personnel have been preparing for the fleet review set to take place off the southern coast of Šolta.

(Photo: HRM/ B. Gaćina-Bilin)

The naval formation will include 13 vessels: four missile gunboats (Kralj Petar Krešimir IV, Kralj Dmitar Zvonimir, Vukovar and Dubrovnik), the landing ship-minelayer Cetina, four patrol boats (Andrija Mohorovičić, Faust Vrančić, Omiš and Umag), and four fast inflatable craft Modrulj.

(Photo: HRM/ B. Gaćina-Bilin)

(Photo: HRM/ B. Gaćina-Bilin)

Brigadier Branimir Gaćina-Bilin, Chief of the Croatian Navy Commander’s Office, confirmed their readiness: “The Navy is fully prepared to participate and will proudly mark this milestone in Croatian history.”

(Photo: HRM/ B. Gaćina-Bilin)

(Photo: HRM/ B. Gaćina-Bilin)

The parade on 31 July will commemorate not only Operation Storm, but also Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian Defenders – a significant occasion of national pride and remembrance.