Military helicopters rehearse aerial display for Madrid's national celebration
A Chinook transport aircraft carried journalists over the rehearsal of the aerial segment of Madrid's national parade, showcasing coordination among army, navy and air force helicopters.
Reporters boarded an Army Chinook to witness the coordinated rehearsal of the aerial display that will accompany Madrid's national celebration parade. The drill began at the Colmenar Viejo airbase, where the participating aircraft took off and flew toward designated staging zones around Getafe and Villaverde. These zones allow the helicopters to organize their approach before moving through the parade's central axis between Atocha station and Plaza de Colón. The lineup features a diverse fleet, including HU.26 EC-135, HA.28 Tigre, HT.29 NH-90, HT.27 Cougar and the Army's HT.17 Chinook, complemented by navy helicopters such as the SH-60B Seahawk, H.135 and NH-90, as well as other units listed in the official program. After completing the planned circuit, the Chinook returned to its home base.
Why it matters
The drill demonstrates the logistical complexity of integrating multiple military branches into a high-profile public event.
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