Russia Showcases Arctic Hardware In Red Square Military Parade

May 9, 2017

Russia rolled out air defense systems built to operate in sub-zero Arctic conditions on Tuesday as it showcased its military might at a parade on Moscow's Red Square.

The parade, an annual event commemorating the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, took place under gray skies as President Vladimir Putin looked on from a platform alongside Soviet war veterans.

The Kremlin has been flexing its military muscle in the hydrocarbon-rich Arctic region, as it vies for dominance with rivals Canada, the United States and Norway.

"Lessons of the past war remind us to be vigilant, and the Armed Forces of Russia are capable of repelling any potential aggression," Putin told the parade.

"But for an effective battle with terrorism, extremism, neo-Nazism and other threats the whole international community needs to be consolidated. ... We are open for such cooperation."

An aerial show by Russia's air force, including warplanes that have flown missions to support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's army, was canceled because of low visibility.

Smaller parades were held in cities across Russia, in Ukraine's Crimea Peninsula, which Russia annexed three years ago, as well as at Russia's Hmeimim air base in Syria.

Moldovan President Igor Dodon was the only foreign dignitary to attend the Moscow parade. In prior years, leaders including German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese President Xi Jinping had attended.

Tuesday's parade was the first time Russia had showcased its Tor-M and Pantsir SA air defense systems, painted in the white and black colors of the country's Arctic forces.

Also on display were columns of troops, tanks and Russia's Yars intercontinental ballistic missile system.

Putin said: "The Russian soldier today, as in all times, showing courage and heroism, is ready for any feat, for any sacrifice for the sake of his motherland and people."


Russian servicemen parade with vehicles during the 72nd anniversary of the end of World War II on the Red Square in Moscow.


Russian servicemen march during the parade marking the World War II anniversary in Moscow.


Russian servicemen march during the parade marking the World War II anniversary in Moscow.


A Russian army band plays during the parade marking the World War II anniversary in Moscow.


Russian servicemen stand atop a tank during the 72nd anniversary of the end of World War II on the Red Square in Moscow.


Russian servicemen parade with tanks during the 72nd anniversary of the end of World War II on the Red Square in Moscow.


Two Russian servicemen sit inside a Buk-M2 missile system during the 72nd anniversary of the end of World War II on the Red Square in Moscow.


Russian servicemen parade during the 72nd anniversary of the end of World War II on the Red Square in Moscow.


Russian servicewomen parade during the 72nd anniversary of the end of World War II on the Red Square in Moscow.


Russian servicemen parade with Tigr-M (Tiger) all-terrain infantry mobility vehicles and Kornet-D1 anti-tank guided missile systems during the 72nd anniversary of the end of World War II on the Red Square in Moscow.


Russian servicewomen march during a parade marking the World War II anniversary in Moscow.


A Yars RS-24 intercontinental ballistic missile system is seen during the 72nd anniversary of the end of World War II on the Red Square in Moscow.


Russian T-14 tanks with the Armata Universal Combat Platform tanks drive during the parade marking the World War II anniversary in Moscow.


Russian servicewomen march during the parade marking the World War II anniversary in Moscow.


Russian servicemen parade with vehicles during the 72nd anniversary of the end of World War II on the Red Square in Moscow.