A powerful display for Operation Storm anniversary
Zagreb will host a grand military parade on 31 July 2025 to mark the 30th anniversary of Operation Storm. This event celebrates one of the greatest military victories in the history of Croatia’s army.
With the date fast approaching, more details about the event have been revealed. Defence Minister Ivan Anušić confirmed on Monday that the first planning meeting for the parade has taken place. Responsibilities were clearly assigned during this meeting to ensure flawless execution by Croatia’s army.
2.3 km of firepower through the heart of Zagreb
The Croatian Armed Forces will march down Vukovarska Street in central Zagreb. The 2.3-kilometre-long parade will feature over 3,000 soldiers and 470 vehicles—both combat and non-combat. Veterans, war invalids, historical units, and all branches of Croatia’s army will participate.
Notably, the event will also showcase new weaponry acquired by the Croatian military. While specifics remain unconfirmed, the line-up is expected to include all recent acquisitions.
New weapons and air power to dominate the parade
Attendees are likely to see German-made Leopard tanks. US-made HIMARS long-range missile systems and French short-range Mistral anti-aircraft defences will be present. Medium-range systems may appear if delivered in time, benefiting Croatia’s army.
The skies will feature flyovers by the pride of the Croatian Air Force, the Rafale fighter jets. These will be accompanied by Black Hawk and Kiowa Warrior helicopters.
Turkish drones and Croatian tech to be featured
The Turkish Bayraktar drones—officially referred to in Croatian as “bespilotne letjelice”—are expected to appear. Croatian-made small combat drones might also be present, though not yet confirmed. These were recently offered to NATO allies by Minister Anušić.
Of course, familiar military assets like the Finnish-made Patria armoured vehicles will also be on show. These are equipped with Israeli Spike LR missiles.
Home-grown innovation on full display
Expect to see the highly accurate German Panzerhaubitze self-propelled howitzers. Possibly, the RAK-12 multiple rocket launcher will be present, still produced by a Croatian private company and praised by Ukrainian forces, showcasing Croatia’s army’s innovation.
Croatian troops will be equipped with locally made HS Produkt rifles and pistols. They will wear Šestan-Busch helmets from Međimurje and uniforms sewn in domestic textile factories. This underscores Croatia’s defence industry capabilities.
A message of strength and security
“The aim of this event is to demonstrate the strength and power of the Croatian military,” said Minister Anušić. “No matter the cost, it will be worth every cent.”
He invited the public to attend in large numbers, stating the parade is not merely symbolic. It is a strong reassurance to the Croatian people from Croatia’s army.
“We all live with some fear of what tomorrow brings—but we will show that there’s no need to worry about the safety of the Croatian nation,” Anušić concluded.
Looking back: a tradition of unity and pride
The last major parade was held in 2015 and attracted large crowds. Many still remember the iconic 1995 parade held at Jarun following Operation Flash. This event took place on 30 May—Croatia’s Statehood Day—and served as a prelude to Operation Storm, the liberation offensive by Croatia’s army that restored Croatia’s sovereignty.
Related story: Croatia celebrates its heroes with the 30th anniversary of Operation ‘Bljesak’