The parade of July 14 2016 paid tribute to the armed forces active in protecting the territory, and in particularly high-demand over the past year.
The central theme of this year was the commitment of all of the Nation’s forces against the threat of terrorism. In another highly symbolic gesture, the Customs Department and Penitentiary Administration, whose resources had been strengthened after the attacks, participated in the parade this year.
The parade also honored Australia and New Zealand to commemorate their participation in the Battle of the Somme (1916).
43 Dassault Aviation aircraft were part of the Air Force fly-past and flew over the Champs Elysées: 8 Alpha Jets of the French Air Force Acrobatic Patrol marked the opening of the fly-past, followed by Mirage 2000 N, Mirage 2000-5, Rafale C and B, Mirage 2000 D, Mirage 2000C/B, Alpha Jet, Rafale B, Alpha Jet NG, Rafale M, ATL 2, Falcon 50 M, Falcon 900 and Alpha Jet.