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Russian president Vladimir Putin unleashed his 'miniskirt army' for the world to see in a sexist military parade that will likely stun its enemies.

The event in Moscow's Red Square this morning showcased Russia's modern military war machine - yet the parade of women looked distinctly out of date.

Despite the strength of force on show with jets, air defence missile systems and nuclear weapons aplenty, it was the female touch that garnered most attention.

The female troops wore knee-high black boots with tanned tights and starched white uniforms, sporting black ties, gold braid, white gloves and peaked caps.

The miniskirts - inches above the knee - are in stark contrast to the uniform of most Western nation armies' female troops, including its British and US counterparts.

(Image: TASS / Barcroft Media)

The women marched in strict formation - and bright sunshine - to the strains of martial music and the clear delight of the macho Russian leader.

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The event annually commemorates the former Soviet Union's victory over the Nazis in World War Two.

It would have been a distraction from their current entanglements in Ukraine's Crimea and fighting alongside President Bashar al-Assad's army in Syria.

The authorities, backed by state media, use the annual event to build patriotic sentiment and to underscore the importance of having a strong military to protect the country's borders.

(Image: TASS / Barcroft Media)

It is also a chance to show how a multi-billion dollar modernisation programme is changing the face of the Russian military by supplying it with new weapons and hardware.

Columns of tanks followed the troops as did the advanced S-400 air defence missile system which is deployed in Syria to protect the Russian air base there.

Russia's latest Yars mobile intercontinental nuclear missile launcher was also on show.

(Image: TASS / Barcroft Media)

Scores of military aircraft then flew over Red Square, including jets who emitted multi-coloured smoke to trace a red, blue and white Russian flag in the sky.

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Putin, in his speech to the parade, largely confined his remarks to the importance of defeating the Nazis in the Second World War, but also spoke about the need today to fight global terrorism and cooperate with other nations to do that.

(Image: TASS / Barcroft Media)

Putin told his war machine: "This is both state and a very personal, family holiday. It has become a symbol of a sacred relation of Russia and its people.

"And this unity, devotion to fatherland is a core to our strength, confidence and dignity."

A similar, albeit more modest parade, was held at Russia's base in Syria.