French President Emmanuel Macron presided over the Bastille Day military parade in Paris on Tuesday, marking what is expected to be his final July 14 celebration before the end of his presidential term. The event combined France’s traditional national holiday with a strong display of European unity and support for Ukraine.
Macron traveled along the Champs-Élysées in a military vehicle before the parade began, opening a ceremony that French officials described as highlighting France’s military modernization, strategic autonomy and Europe’s growing defense cooperation.
Ukrainian troops took part in France’s Bastille Day parade in Paris. Two Mirage 2000B fighters with Ukrainian pilots trained in France also flew over the capital during the national celebrations. #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/eC2SRrsj2K
— NOELREPORTS ???????? ???????? (@NOELreports) July 14, 2026
The parade featured nearly 6,700 troops, 98 aircraft, 31 helicopters and 315 military vehicles, setting a new record for the number of personnel marching between the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde during the annual celebration.
