Mar 12 2009 |
more articles from
|
Parade displays Kuwait's military might
KUWAIT: The Ministry of Defense in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior held a two-hour military parade at Subhan yesterday. This parade was held to mark the country's National Day, Liberation Day and the third anniversary of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's ascension to power. It is also the third year since HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was crowned.A similar parade was held two years ago in March 2007. The Army, Police and the National Guards units', infantry, missiles, commandos, and special force units participated in the parade.
It was held under the patronage of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, some other ministers and ambassadors of different countries also graced the occasion. Some VIP guests were invited, in addition to officials from the Ministry of Defense.
Enthusiastic public flocked to grandstands specially prepared for them. Some roads where the parade was held were closed due to security reasons. The entire event was well-organized.
Kuwait's military prowess was on display: the Air Force, Army, and then Navy presented themselves with great gusto. The program was also aired live on local channels. Members from the media appreciated the support provided by Major Ali Al-Harbi, the PR Moral Guidance Department of the Ministry of Defense.
At least 244 military vehicles paraded this year, while it was 136 in 2007. Also the number of soldiers who participated this year rose to 1,033 this year, when compared to the previous figure 555 in 2007.
After HH the Amir arrived at about 10:00 am, the parade began with 21 tank fires to welcome the Amir. The parade began with a military march, which was followed by a procession by the armed forces of the Ministry of Defense. First cadets from the Ali Al-Sabah Military Academy performed a march past holding different flags. Four Hawk military aircrafts performed an air stunt and created an image of the Kuwaiti flag in the sky. The Apache helicopters then welcomed HH the Amir with a spectacular air show. Different sectors from the police forces participated. The audience enjoyed watching policemen mounted on horses and motorcycles.
Apart from the Apache helicopters and Hawk aircrafts, there were also the F-18 military planes from the latest, fourth generation aircrafts. Also MD 13 armor piercing rockets were shown; its base can carry seven rockets and can be used during day and night time conditions with an infrared night vision. In addition four Patriot rockets, which were used to bring down eight anti missiles during the war on Iraq in 2003. The audience also saw sky-guard rockets.
Several military tanks were also displayed. There were the Pandur, Shorland, Benhard vehicles, VBL, operation center, communications, and field control vehicles, Hummer, HMV, armed GMC pickups, mobile decontamination unit, Shtayer vehicle, explosive ordnance disposal van, anti-terrorism suburban, military police vehicles, and disaster support team vehicles.
Also tanks, the Army Fire Service vehicle were present. Amphibious vehicles, 'Warier' army vehicles, and the rocket launcher Smidge passed by. To commemorate the national heroes of Kuwait, a tank was given the name 'Qurain' after the battle of Qurain that took place during the Iraqi invasion. The parade concluded with a display by the Kuwait National Guards.
© Copyright Zawya. All Rights Reserved.
Post Your Comment