Russia holds WWII Victory Day parade, showcases new weapons

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Russia staged its annual Victory Day military parade on Red Square on Tuesday to mark the 72nd anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.

The military parade began at 10:00 a.m. Moscow time. Russian media said this year's parade involved around 10,000 people and 114 units of modern weapons and military equipment.

Tiger-M all-terrain infantry mobility vehicles and Kornet-D1 anti-tank guided missile systems formation parade during the Victory Day parade on the Red Square in Moscow. /VCG Photo

Some of the country's cutting-edge weapons were showcased for the occasion, including Tiger-M all-terrain infantry mobility vehicles and Kornet-D1 anti-tank guided missile systems.

Russia also debuted its new Arctic military equipment, such as the Tor-M2DT short-range anti-aircraft missile, artillery system Pantsir- SA and support vehicles. It was their first national appearance, Colonel-General Oleg Salyukov, commander in chief of Russia's ground forces, said earlier.

Tor-M2DT and Pantsir-SA air defense missile systems, which are the essence of the Arctic troops, cross the Red Square. /VCG Photo

Russia has been building up its military capabilities in the Arctic in recent years. In April, the defense ministry’s website launched a "virtual tour" of its new Arctic Trefoil air defense base in Franz Josef Land, Russia's second military base in the region. President Vladimir Putin also paid a visit to the base in March.

A Russian Yars RS-24 inter-continental ballistic missile system rides through Red Square during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow on May 9, 2017. /VCG Photo

An aviation formation of 17 helicopters and 55 combat planes that was scheduled to fly over Red Square during the parade was canceled however on Tuesday due to "unfavorable weather conditions."

In a speech at the parade, Putin paid tribute to those killed defending their country, and vowed to further protect Russia and its people.

"There is no force and there will be no force that could conquer our people," he said. He added that Russia was open to international cooperation in fighting against "terrorism, extremism, neo-Nazism and other threats".

"Today life itself requires us to increase our defensive capability," said the Russian president.

Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the victory of WWII, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other leaders, in Moscow, Russia on May 9, 2015. /Xinhua Photo

Russia holds a Victory Day military parade every year on May 9 to celebrate its victory in World War Two, which is also known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War.

For the 70th anniversary in 2015, Russia invited 1,300 troops from 10 foreign countries to participate in the event, including a formation of the Chinese guard of honor.

Chinese President Xi Jinping also watched the parade on Red Square with other world leader‍s.

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