Overview

• The Champs-Élysées parade featured a record 7,000 military personnel, including cavalry, armoured vehicles and soldiers in combat gear demonstrating France’s operational credibility.
• Indonesia served as guest of honour with President Prabowo Subianto leading 200 military drummers and expected to discuss Rafale fighter jet and equipment purchases.
• President Macron reviewed troops, relit the eternal flame beneath the Arc de Triomphe and witnessed fighter jet flyovers trailing red, white and blue smoke.
• A drone light show over the Eiffel Tower and fireworks displays in Paris and across France closed out nationwide celebrations.
• Macron pledged an extra €6.5 billion in defense spending over two years to counter threats from Russia, terrorism and cyber attacks.