Military planes have been flying over Belgrade while hundreds of soldiers, tanks and other pieces of military equipment have been lining up next to the Sava River in the capital as the Serbian Army prepares for Thursday’s showpiece event.

Soldiers polish tanks ahead military parade. | Photo by Beta

Serbian army is rehearsing for its biggest military parade in decade. | Photo by Beta

Marking the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Belgrade during World War II, Serbia is holding its first military parade since 1985, with Russian leader Putin as the most prominent guest.

Alexander Chepurin, Russia’s ambassador to Belgrade, said that during Putin’s third visit to the Serbian capital, the Kremlin chief will address the audience at the military parade and lay wreaths at the cemetery dedicated to the fallen liberators of the Serbian capital.

About 3,000 Serbian soldiers will participate in the event, which will start with a gun salute followed by a parade by various troop units, an air display and military ships sailing along the river.

Preparations for the military parade are ongoing. | Photo by Beta

Dozens tanks have been lining up next to the Sava River. | Photo by Beta

The army will showcase military ships. | Photo by Beta

The army will also showcase combat vehicles, tanks and artillery, while paratroopers will parachute in from aircraft overhead.

Special guests at the parade will be a Russian aerobatic performance team called Strizhi (the Swifts).

Army vehicles ready for the parade. | Photo by Beta

Belgraders were curious to see preparations for the military parade. | Photo by Beta