Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov oversaw the final night rehearsal of the May 9 Victory Day parade held on the Red Square on Thursday night.
About 100 pieces of military hardware took part in the rehearsal, which ended after midnight. A total of 14,000 servicemen also took part.
The rehearsal involved eight Iskander-M (SS-26 Stone) tactical missile systems, three Topol-M ballistic missile launchers, sixteen S-400 Triumph air defense systems and Pantsir-S missile-and-cannon systems, thirteen Tiger armored vehicles, as well as APC-80’s, T-90 tanks, Msta-S self-propelled artillery systems, and Buk-M2 SAM systems.
Preparations for the May 9 parade envisage three night rehearsals (held on April 26, May 1 and May 3) and one daytime dress rehearsal, due on May 6.
Beginning as usual at 10:00 a.m. on May 9, the Victory Parade in Moscow and other Russian cities will last for about 45 minutes. The celebrations will culminate in a 30-round fireworks display at 10:00 p.m.
A total of 1,500 WWII veterans were invited to attend the parade.