A large-scale military parade dedicated to the 33rd anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence was held in Ashgabat. The event, held on the square in front of the State Tribune Complex, demonstrated a significant increase in the country's defense potential and the high level of training of Turkmen military personnel.
As reported by the State News Agency of Turkmenistan, the parade began at 10:00 local time with the appearance of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the podium. After the performance of the national anthem and the raising of the country's flag, Defense Minister Begench Gundogdyev asked the President to permit the start of the military review.
All branches of the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan were represented during the parade. Particular attention was drawn to the participation of female servicemen, as well as the procession of equestrian units on legendary Ahal-Teke horses, symbolizing the national pride and history of the country.
The military hardware demonstration began with a display of naval forces. The flotilla was shown on a large screen in the Caspian Sea, including the newest corvette “Deňiz han” and the missile boats “Edermen” and “Gaýratly”.
The ground part of the parade included six mechanized columns demonstrating a wide range of military equipment. Among the presented models were T-90S tanks, BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles, “Smerch” rocket systems, FD-2000 and FM-90 anti-aircraft missile systems. Of particular interest were the modern “Bayraktar TB2” and “Falko” unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as the “SKY STRIKER” and “Orbiter 2B” combat drones.
The air part of the parade included Mi-17V-5, Eurocopter-145, Agusta-109 helicopters, as well as A-29 Super Tucano, Su-25 and M-346 combat aircraft. Turkmen pilots demonstrated high skill in operating modern aircraft.
The parade ended with a performance by the Separate Battalion of the Honor Guard of the Ministry of Defense, which demonstrated impeccable training in performing drill techniques with weapons. In the finale, the defenders of the Fatherland lined up in the shape of the number “33” in front of the podium, symbolizing the anniversary of the country's independence.
