Final rehearsal for the 2025 naval parade as part of the Polish Armed Forces Day in Hel
On August 7, the town of Hel hosted the final rehearsal for the 2025 Naval Parade, a major event in this year’s Polish Armed Forces Day celebrations. Taking place in the waters of the Gulf of Gdańsk, the rehearsal drew large crowds to the beach, where spectators enthusiastically observed Polish Navy warships maneuvering at sea, accompanied by flyovers from Naval Aviation Brigade aircraft and helicopters.
In brief
The dress rehearsal for the 2025 Naval Parade took place on 7 August in Hel on the waters of the Gulf of Gdańsk. Polish Navy units took part in the display, including frigates, missile boats, patrol vessels and support ships, as well as aircraft and helicopters of the Naval Aviation Brigade. The Naval Parade is one of the main events of the Polish Armed Forces Day celebrations, held on 15 August on the anniversary of the 1920 Battle of Warsaw. Crowds of spectators gathered on the beaches watched the manoeuvres.
The Naval Parade is a powerful demonstration of strength, discipline, and joint capability across branches of the Polish Armed Forces, particularly the maritime component. The display includes frigates, missile and patrol vessels, support ships, and airborne elements that enhance reconnaissance and operational coverage during naval operations.
The Polish Navy has played a vital role in the country's maritime security for over a century. As a cornerstone of national defense and a key NATO partner in the Baltic region, it stands as a symbol of Poland’s sovereignty and modern naval readiness.
Armed Forces Day, observed annually on August 15, commemorates the Battle of Warsaw in 1920—a defining moment that halted the Soviet advance into Western Europe. Events such as the Naval Parade in Hel both honor military tradition and serve as a public platform for promoting national defense awareness and military service.
It is also worth noting that August 15 marks the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a major Catholic holiday and public day off in Poland. This date carries deep cultural and symbolic meaning, intertwining religious tradition with the nation’s historic fight for independence.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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