Astana Military Parade Celebrates 80 Years of Victory
Kazakhstan Commemorates 80th Anniversary of World War II with Grand Victory Parade
ASTANA — On May 7, Kazakhstan celebrated the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with a spectacular Victory Parade in Astana. This marked the first such event since 2019 and was held on Defender of the Fatherland Day, attracting over 5,000 attendees and featuring more than 4,000 military personnel. The parade showcased the country’s rich historical legacy alongside its modern military capabilities.
Presidential Presence and Public Engagement
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev presided over the ceremony, which included distinguished guests such as To Lam, General Secretary of the Vietnamese Communist Party, who visited Kazakhstan for the occasion. The celebration extended beyond the parade grounds, as live broadcasts were displayed on large LED screens throughout the city and aired on national television.
Showcasing Modern Armed Forces
Under the leadership of Ground Forces Commander Major General Mereke Koshekbai, the parade comprised 26 formations from various branches of the armed forces, including a notable presence of over 200 female service members and 200 pieces of military equipment. "This parade is very important for our country and our armed forces," said Major General Koshekbai.
The event kicked off with a striking display of 34 historic WWII tanks, featuring iconic models like the T-34 and Katyusha rocket launchers. This homage to the past was complemented by modern combat vehicles, including domestically produced models such as Arlan, Aibar, Alan, and Taymas.
Aerial Spectacle and Innovations in Defense
As part of the aerial segment, 66 aircraft, including Su-30SM multirole fighters and Su-25 attack aircraft, soared over the capital in combat formation. The display concluded with jets trailing blue smoke in homage to the national flag. Newly introduced technologies, such as anti-aircraft systems Buk-M2E and Tor-M2K, as well as the Skylark uncrewed aerial vehicles, illustrated Kazakhstan’s advancements in defense technology.
Honoring Veterans and Preserving National Memory
The parade not only celebrated military prowess but also served as a solemn tribute to veterans, homefront workers, and their sacrifices. Among the attendees was Karakoz Apa, a 90-year-old war veteran, who expressed her joy over the event. "It was very good… May we live to see more such anniversaries."
Major General Kuanyshbek Ushtaev, First Deputy Commander-in-Chief, emphasized that the parade honored those who served in the war: "Today’s parade is a tribute to those who went to the front and returned, and to those who never made it back."
Historical Significance of the Celebration
Over 1.2 million Kazakhs served in the Soviet army during WWII. This year, in recognition of their sacrifices, more than 42,000 Kazakh citizens were awarded commemorative medals marking the 80th anniversary. Since gaining independence, Kazakhstan has staged 12 parades to honor significant national milestones, the first one in Almaty in 1995 for Victory Day’s 50th anniversary.
As the nation reflects on its past, the Victory Parade serves as both a commemoration of historical sacrifices and a celebration of modern resilience and unity.
