The Independence Day celebrations of Turkmenistan included a number of high profile events. Among them was the civil and military parade held on 27 September 2026.
A prominent feature of the parade was the display of the defense capabilities of the country. This demonstrated the focus on a well-rounded military doctrine, aimed at self-defense and in line with the policy of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan.
Here we describe the military hardware and equipment shown during the parade.
Naval component
The parade opened with the corvette-class warship Deňiz Han, which has entered Navy service. It is described as equipped with modern, high-precision weapons and able to engage surface, underwater, air and land targets. The missile ships Edermen and Gaýratly followed in ceremonial formation; the official account says they secure the country’s maritime borders.
National Army: first to third mechanized columns
The first mechanized column of the National Army was led by an INKAS Titan armored fighting vehicle. Personnel in “DAGOR” military vehicles marched alongside Turkmen Alabai dogs. The column also included:
- Land Rover light military vehicles, described as designed for transporting personnel and carrying out military missions;
- a Rohde Schwarz communications system mounted on a vehicle;
- Al SHIBL2, Al ASIFA2 and NIMR armored vehicles;
- KIA KLTV-181 armored vehicles carrying DJI MATRIX 30T unmanned aerial vehicles, recently introduced into National Army service;
- a BTR-80A special-purpose armored vehicle from the Turkish Armed Forces;
- INKAS Titan and KIRPI armored vehicles equipped with machine guns and man-portable air defense systems.
The second column was led by a Typhoon multipurpose armored vehicle. T-72M and T-90S tanks followed on special platforms, along with BMP-2D and BMP-3 armored infantry vehicles, COBRA armored vehicles, a ZSU-23-4 SHILKA self-propelled anti-aircraft system, and 2S-1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzers mounted on MAN heavy-duty tractors. A BM 21A BELGRAD multiple launch rocket system and a SMERCH rocket system also passed the State Tribune.
The Engineering Troops were also represented. The official account links the improvement of their equipment to the country’s military reforms. Their arsenal is being supplemented with the HZ-100 pontoon bridge, shown with its river span structure based on the SHAHMAN vehicle and with the coastal span of the bridge.
The third column was led by an INKAS Titan armored military vehicle. A Bayraktar TB2 combat unmanned aerial vehicle, mounted on a Mercedes-Benz ATEGO, was on display. MAN vehicles recently introduced into National Army service followed, carrying SKY SAKER FX-80, SKY STRIKER, ORBITER-2B and CW-15D unmanned aerial vehicles.
Unmanned systems, electronic and support equipment
The official description says the armed forces’ defence potential is being strengthened through the acquisition of modern equipment. Unmanned and related systems shown included:
- POINT BLANK unmanned aerial vehicles on a MAN vehicle, recently in National Army service;
- ThunderB-VTOL unmanned aerial vehicles on a MAN vehicle, taking part in the parade for the first time and also recently in service with the National Navy;
- the KATA:NA PLUS mobile remote control station for a surface boat;
- KATA:NA remotely operated surface boats.
An ELS-18A radar system, a DWL-002 electronic surveillance system, a special vehicle of the State Migration Service, and equipment of the rescue and chemical forces also passed in front of the State Tribune.
Air defence
Air defence equipment was given a distinct place in the programme. The FM-90, KS-1A and FD-2000 anti-aircraft missile systems were shown, described as providing protection for the country’s airspace. They were followed by the FK-2000 anti-aircraft missile and artillery system, recently introduced into National Army service and mounted on the KDP-2000 universal transport platform.
State Border Service
The fourth mechanized column carried equipment of the State Border Service of Turkmenistan. It comprised:
- armored KIA KLTV 141 combat vehicles, MOTOWEZDEHOD ATVs and Toyota Hiluxes, with border guards again accompanied by Turkmen Alabai dogs;
- multipurpose armored combat vehicles: KIA KLTV 141, KIA KLTV, COBRA and PMW SURVIVOR II;
- KIRPI armored vehicles of the border troops, and Mantra vehicles equipped with 120-mm mortars;
- IVECO vehicles carrying ZU-23 anti-aircraft systems, the Simbat missile launch system and Orbiter 2B unmanned aerial vehicles.
The official account says this equipment is used to protect the country’s borders. A column of Border Service personnel on Honda motorcycles also rode through the square, forming the number “35” in reference to the anniversary.
Ministry of National Security and Ministry of Internal Affairs
The fifth column was led by the IVECO M65 combat vehicle, in service with units of the Ministry of National Security. It was followed by STORM-RIDER and LAZAR III armored combat vehicles.
The sixth column consisted of specialized vehicles of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and was led by an INKAS Titan armored combat vehicle. It included MAN vehicles with CW-15D unmanned aerial vehicles, FORD HENNESSEY vehicles, and armored combat vehicles including the FORD ATLAS 150, TOYOTA TUNDRA, GMS Sierra, PMV-SURVIVOR II and INKAS Titan. These are described as serving to maintain public order and legal order.
Law enforcement personnel on specialized Yamaha motorcycles also formed the number “35” as they crossed the square. Mercedes-Benz and Toyota Fortuner vehicles passed as well.
Air parade
The celebrations continued in the air, opening with Mi-17V-5 helicopters, described as designed to support ground forces and transport cargo and military equipment. Mi-24P attack helicopters followed, flown by Turkmen pilots. The official account says attack helicopters play an important role in national security.
Other helicopters shown were:
- the Eurocopter-145 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs;
- the Eurocopter-365 of the Ministry of National Security;
- the Agusta-139 of the State Border Service.
Fixed-wing participants were a C-27J SPARTAN military transport aircraft and A-29 Super Tucano combat aircraft. Su-25 combat aircraft of the Turkmen Air Force closed the air parade. The account credits the pilots with a high level of professionalism.
M-346 combat aircraft were also among the aircraft on display. The account states that the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Hero Arkadag, performed the first test flight in this aircraft, which it describes as a model training platform for military pilots. The aircraft flew in formation for the anniversary.
Official assessment
The official description concludes that the land, sea and air equipment shown reflects the state’s continuing commitment, and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s attention, to strengthening the defence capability of what it calls independent, neutral Turkmenistan, modernizing the National Army, and improving the military and law enforcement agencies.
/// nCa, 29 September 2026 (based on a report by TDH)