The Russian and Syrian military held a general rehearsal of the parade procession at the Khmeimim airbase, dedicated to the 76th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. More than 1,000 servicemen and 84 vehicles and 22 aviation units took part in the rehearsal.
Officers and servicemen of Russian Armed Forces troops grouping marched in foot formation. Syria was represented by special units of the Ground Forces and Assault Regiment of Special Forces "Commandos" and representatives of the Naval Academy. At the head of the column was a historical T-34 tank. The rehearsal ended with the passage of Russian and Syrian helicopters, as well as aircraft of the Russian Air Force.
"It has become a good tradition in our country and beyond from the main parade in Moscow, the capital of our Motherland, to echo all military parades, including those at the Khmeimim Air Base. I believe that the dress rehearsal was held at a high professional level and, just as importantly, emotionally and psychologically. A beautiful sunny day facilitated the parade. As the deputy commander of the group I am sure that everything will work out," Rear Admiral Igor Kurochkin, deputy commander of the group of forces of the Russian Armed Forces in Syria for political work, told reporters.
He added that holding parades together with the Syrian military has become a tradition of the Russian military in Syria. "Our peoples have long been united by common interests and friendship. And the fact that today Syrian servicemen stand in a single formation with Russian officers, sergeants, warrant officers, I believe that this is a very good sign and a good example. Syrian troops have had a lot of training, and over the years they have succeeded in both combat training and the general tasks of countering global terrorism. I think this will become a good tradition that will last for years to come," Kurochkin said.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS