The general rehearsal for the large military parade in Zagreb was held in two main parts, shortly before the actual event:
- The aerial rehearsal took place on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, starting at 5:40 PM, above Ulica grada Vukovara, in the east-west direction. Aircraft from the Croatian Air Force and Ministry of the Interior participated, including Kiowa Warrior, Black Hawk, Mi-171Sh helicopters, Zlin 242L, Airtractor AT-802, Canadair CL-415, Pilatus PC-9M, and Rafale fighter jets.
- The infantry, motorized, and mechanized units conducted their general rehearsal on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, starting at 8 PM along Ulica grada Vukovara, from Avenija Marina Držića to Savska cesta. Approximately 1,500 people and 230 military and civilian vehicles participated in this rehearsal, representing a portion of those who will perform during the parade. The rehearsals were carefully synchronized to check spacing between units, the coordination of columns and vehicles, and the total time required to complete the parade route.
- Besides the Croatian Army, the rehearsal included police units, the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service (HGSS), firefighters, civil protection, and Croatian war veterans, with all logistical and safety details being closely monitored. Due to the rehearsal, major roads in the city center were closed.
- Aircraft and all participants entered the route according to a pre-defined schedule, and the general rehearsal enabled the synchronization of all parade segments for flawless performance in front of cameras and the citizens on Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day.
For passage during the parade and rehearsals, citizens and participants were recommended to arrive on foot or use public transportation, due to road closures and changes in road and air traffic.
Photographers, cameramen, and media representatives were able to get accreditation and access to the rehearsals and aircraft, with prior notification to the Ministry of Defense.
The general rehearsal demonstrated the preparedness and level of readiness of all participants, anticipating a spectacular parade gathering thousands of people and modern military equipment on the streets of the capital.
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