One thousand soldiers, 37 pieces of equipment and four dogs — parade of the Estonian Defense Forces

The annual parade of the Estonian Defense Forces took place in Tallinn on Vabaduse Square. This year, on February 24, about 1,000 servicemen marched in the ranks, 37 pieces of equipment were involved, 43 flags were taken out, two orchestras played and four service dogs worked, Narvanews reports. There was no air flight due to the weather.

"The audience's attention was attracted by the technique. People photographed the columns, discussed the models of cars, explained to the children the differences between the units. Service dogs caused, perhaps, the most emotional reactions — the children applauded them separately," the report says.

The parade was attended by the Estonian Defense Forces, the voluntary paramilitary formation "Kaitselijt", reservists and conscripts, volunteers, units of NATO allies — Great Britain, France and the USA, as well as four dogs. According to ERR, a total of about 1,000 people were involved in the construction.

"37 units of equipment is not a record, but an indicative cross—section of the current structure of the Defense Forces. In recent years, Estonia has been consistently modernizing weapons. In 2022, the acquisition of six HIMARS systems from the USA was confirmed. In the fall of 2025, according to ERR, an increase in their number to 12 is being discussed, as well as an expansion of the stock of ATACMS missiles. The parade did not make a separate emphasis on this, but the overall picture is clear: the structure of the army is being updated, and this is gradually reflected in the composition of the equipment presented to the public," the newspaper notes.