The military planes have once again made their presence known this Thursday in the sky of Madrid, eleven days before the celebration of the parade on October 12. As the National Day approaches, the Armed Forces prepare for the traditional parade, an event that includes extensive aerial participation and that each year involves flights and prior rehearsals over the capital.
The military parade will be held again in Madrid next Monday, October 12, 2026. The program includes, as is customary, the arrival of the Kings, military honors, the raising of the flag, and the tribute to the fallen before the aerial and ground parade. The available information from the city places the start of the central event around 11:00 hours.
Why military planes fly over Madrid before October 12
The presence of military aircraft in the days leading up to the event responds to the necessary preparations to coordinate the aerial parade. These flights allow the participating units to rehearse formations, passes over the capital, and coordination between aircraft from different units.
This is a common sight in Madrid as the National Day approaches. In 2025, for example, the Air and Space Army began its rehearsals over the city also on October 1 and announced that the aircraft would continue to fly over the center of the capital in the following days, especially around the Paseo del Prado and the Castellana.
The rehearsals are not necessarily limited to fighters from the Air and Space Army. In previous editions, aircraft from the Navy and helicopters from different corps have also participated. In 2022, for example, Defense reported tests involving Harrier, F-18, Eurofighter, Pilatus PC-21, A400M, and Airbus A330, in addition to various helicopters.
The October 12 parade in Madrid
The aerial display constitutes one of the main elements of the military parade each year. In the 2025 edition, the participation of 45 planes and 29 helicopters was planned, with aircraft such as the Eurofighter, F-18, Harrier, and A400M, although the weather conditions ultimately forced a reduction in the aerial program.
One of the main innovations introduced last year was the Mirlo Formation, made up of Pilatus PC-21 planes, which took over from the historic Patrulla Águila to perform the pass with the colors of the Spanish flag.
For 2026, the official agenda of Madrid confirms that the parade of the National Day will again feature a pass of the Mirlo Formation and an aerial parade, before the ground units begin to parade through the streets of the capital.