Naval exercises in Split ahead of major military parade

Preparations are well underway for the massive military parade in Zagreb on 31 July marking the 30th anniversary of Operation Storm. 

Training exercises for the big event, which also commemorates Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian Defenders, are taking place on land, on the sea and in the air.

The Croatian Navy held training exercises in Split that will be held in conjunction with the parade in the nation's capital.

Commodore Branimir Gaćina-Bilin said 13 naval and coast guard vessels and more than 200 seamen would be participating.

"The Croatian Navy is completely ready to showcase its capabilities and, in that way, will commemorate Homeland Thanksgiving Day, the Day of Croatian Defenders and the 30th anniversary of Operation Storm with pride and honour," said Commodore Gaćina-Bilin.

Meanwhile, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces, Zoran Milanović, confirmed on Wednesday that he would not ride in an open vehicle at the head of the parade, like former presidents Franjo Tuđman and Kolinda Grabar Kitarović.