Spain’s National Day parade features military display amid political tension
The parade featured 82 aircraft in an aerial display, led by two F/A-18 jets, and showcased the army’s 8×8 Dragón armoured vehicles for the first time.
Spain’s Defence Ministry showcased advanced military capabilities, including new armoured vehicles and anti-drone systems, indicating a strategic shift in defence investment priorities.
“King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia will travel to Ceuta on Tuesday, reflecting the government’s ongoing commitment to addressing recent challenges in the region.”
Ceuta troops absent as Spain holds National Day parade in Madrid
Ceuta made its presence felt at Spain’s National Day parade without a single one of its soldiers setting foot on Madrid’s Paseo del Prado.
No troops from the autonomous city took part this year, as the Spanish Ministry of Defence has kept its forces deployed there following the crisis that erupted in July, when tens of thousands of migrants crossed into the territory from Morocco.
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, who presided over the ceremony in Madrid, will travel to Ceuta on Tuesday.
The parade took place against a tense political backdrop, after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called an early general election for 29 November.
Sánchez arrived at the parade with parliament dissolved and was met with jeers from people gathered in the streets.
Under clear skies, 82 aircraft took part in an aerial display as part of the day’s events, led by two F/A-18 jets.
On the ground, the army’s 8×8 Dragón armoured vehicles took centre stage for the first time. Marine Corps vehicles equipped with the Aracne anti-drone system also made their debut, along with two Asturcón drones from the Military Emergencies Unit – a clear sign of where the Spanish Defence Ministry is looking to invest.
A total of 3,850 men and 530 women took part in the parade.
The King and Queen then hosted a reception at the Royal Palace to mark the end of the National Day celebrations.