Army officials are preparing to display rocket launchers and missiles along with more than a hundred military aircraft and vehicles next weekend at the D.C. parade celebrating the Army’s 250th anniversary, Axios has learned.
Why it matters: President Trump has envisioned the June 14 parade — which is scheduled on his 79th birthday — as a show of U.S. military might.
There also will be a static display of precision-guided missiles, the officials said, and a flyover by F-22 fighter jets.
About 7,000 military personnel will be involved in the parade, which will run along Constitution Avenue NW.
By the numbers: The parade will include 28 M1A1 Abrams tanks, 28 M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, and four Paladin Howitzers.
Army officials are getting ready to show off over a hundred military vehicles and aircraft, as well as rocket launchers and missiles, at the D.C next weekend. Axios has learned of the parade honoring the Army’s 250th anniversary.
Reasons for importance The June 14 parade, which falls on President Trump’s 79th birthday, is intended to be a demonstration of U.S. A. military power.
Zoom in: This kind of military equipment display is uncommon in the US, and the event’s detractors have voiced worries about the possible harm that large military vehicles could cause to the city’s streets in addition to the imagery.
Officials are keen to highlight U, however. A. weaponry like the rocket-launching High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).
Egypt, Iraq, and Syria have all made use of the launchers.
There will also be a flyover by F-22 fighter jets and a static display of precision-guided missiles, according to the officials.
It will march along Constitution Avenue NW and feature about 7,000 military personnel. Of the estimated $45 million, about one-third will go toward post-parade street repairs.
Zoom out: The parade will start at 23rd Street and Constitution Avenue NW at 6:30 p.m. and finish at 15th and Constitution Avenue NW.
Trump will stand on the Ellipse for a review.
What they are saying: “On January, the president took office. 20 He was very clear about wanting to dot. emphasize the US Army as the first branch of the US military established by the US Republic, and he aimed to provide the U.S. S. U.S. Ambassador Monica Crowley, chief of protocol, told Axios, “We’re giving the Army a very special birthday parade.”.
By the numbers: Four Paladin Howitzers, 28 M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, and 28 M1A1 Abrams tanks will be part of the procession.
Eight CH-47 Chinook helicopters, sixteen AH-64 Apache helicopters, and sixteen UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters will be present, according to officials.
Planned flyovers include aircraft from the Vietnam and World War II eras.
