France holds annual Bastille Day military parade in Paris

On July 14, 2026, France celebrated Bastille Day with a major military parade on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. The event featured approximately 6,700 soldiers, 98 aircraft, 31 helicopters, and 315 military vehicles. A key highlight included the participation of two Mirage 2000B fighter jets flown by Ukrainian pilots trained in France. The parade also commemorated the 400th anniversary of the French Navy and featured a detachment from the Cyprus National Guard. President Emmanuel Macron presided over the event for the final time of his presidency, while reports suggest President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was present to underscore continued support for Ukraine. The French presidency stated the parade's theme focused on the nation's rearmament, strategic autonomy, and European defense. While sources consistently report the event took place, there is conflicting information regarding the presence of foreign dignitaries, with some reports noting Zelenskyy's attendance while others focus solely on the French leadership.