Brussels Celebrates 80th Liberation Anniversary with Grand Parade, Showcases New Griffon Armored Vehicle

July 14, 2025
Brussels Celebrates 80th Liberation Anniversary with Grand Parade, Showcases New Griffon Armored Vehicle
  • A new Griffon armored vehicle, produced at the Mol Cy factory in Staden, will be showcased during the parade, highlighting Belgium's military modernization efforts.

  • Interior Minister Bernard Quintin stressed the importance of cooperation between Defense and internal security forces amid rising global insecurity, and recognized the efforts of police, firefighters, and civil protection.

  • To celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Liberation, Brussels will host a grand parade on July 21, showcasing various generations of Defense vehicles, including World War II models and the latest armored vehicles like the new Griffon.

  • The Griffon, a 25-ton multi-role armored vehicle, is a central element of the Capacité Motorisée (CaMo) program between Belgium and France, aimed at enhancing military capabilities.

  • The cost of French armored vehicles for Belgium has unexpectedly increased tenfold due to omitted expenses, raising concerns about military procurement costs.

  • Francken also highlighted that rearmament should be economically viable, considering the maintenance costs of armored vehicles, including recent issues like cracks found on nearly all Piranha vehicles.

  • The national celebration will feature a parade with military vehicles and a series of festive events, including a 'Belgian Party' at Cinquantenaire with concerts, drone shows, fireworks, and food trucks starting in the afternoon.

  • Festivities at Cinquantenaire will kick off at 2:00 PM with food trucks and bars, followed by music at 6:00 PM, a concert with Belgian artists at 9:00 PM, and will conclude with a multimedia laser, drone show, and fireworks at 11:00 PM.

  • The parade will include participation from police units, firefighters, and civil protection, with a police village at Place Poelaert and demonstrations at Place du Sablon.

  • Defense Minister Theo Francken expressed satisfaction with the timing of the event and emphasized the importance of making the military a robust fighting force, with the first assembled Griffons arriving in Staden.

  • The event also aims to showcase Belgium’s military advancements and strengthen internal security cooperation, reflecting the country’s focus on national resilience.

Summary based on 2 sources


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