Every year on August 20th, the Hungarian Armed Forces conduct a spectacular air parade over the Danube River in Budapest to commemorate St. Stephen’s Day. In August 2025, we finally checked this prestigious event off our bucket list.

By 8AM, crowds had already gathered at Kossuth Lajos Tér, next to the iconic Hungarian Parliament, in anticipation of the aerial display.

A Fusion of Modernity and Heritage
The parade offered a comprehensive look at the diverse fixed-wing and rotary-wing assets currently operated by the Hungarian Defense Forces. The undisputed highlights were the first public appearances of the nation’s newest acquisitions:
-Aero Vodochody L-39NG: The next-generation jet trainer.
-Embraer C-390 Millennium: The versatile multi-mission transport aircraft.

Contrasting these modern additions were the “Soviet workhorses” of the Hungarian Air Force. The Mil Mi-24 “Hind” and Mil Mi-17 “Hip” provided a powerful throwback to the past, bringing vintage aviation charm to the contemporary lineup. These legends are nearing the end of their careers, as they are slated for replacement in 2026 by the Airbus H145M and H225M Caracal, both of which performed full displays during the event.

Precision and Control
The SAAB Gripen C multirole fighters played a central role in the ceremony:
-The Opening: A three-ship formation initiated the festivities, utilizing wingtip smoke systems to paint the Hungarian flag across the sky.
-Government Escort: The Gripens returned in a two-ship formation, providing escort for the Hungarian Government’s Dassault Falcon 7X.
-VIP Transport: The fleet was further represented by an Airbus A319ACJ in government service.

Final Impressions
This event was a true gem for aviation enthusiasts, set against the breathtaking backdrop of one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. The 2025 parade successfully balanced the honoring of tradition with the unveiling of a high tech future.

Please enjoy the full gallery of this outstanding event below.