HUNDREDS of military vehicles flooded the streets of Russia during rehearsals for Victory Day parades marking the 72nd anniversary of the Allied victory over Nazi Germany.
More than 70 planes and helicopters practised manoeuvres overhead with the world’s largest military transport helicopter Mi-26 escorted by a quartet of Mi-8 helicopters set to open the show.
On the ground, thousands of troops put on well-practiced parade in a huge show of military might.
The showepiece started under Joseph Stalin with Vladimir Putin continuing the tradition which has become the highlight of a day of nationalist celebration.
More than 70 planes and helicopters dipped and dived over Red Square as Putin’s armies prepared to take over Moscow on May 9.Here are the best of the practice pics.
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Russian female cadets dance ahead of a parade in Moscow's Poklonnaya Gora War Memorial Park Credit: Getty Images 20
Russian military cadets parade to mark the 72nd anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany Credit: Getty Images 20
Kamov Ka-52 Alligator strike helicopters, Mil Mi-26 heavy lift cargo helicopters, and Mil Mi-8 multirole helicopters Credit: Alamy 20
Female soldiers march in formation in St Petersburg's Palace Square during a rehearsal of a Victory Day military parade Credit: Getty Images 20
Hundreds of Russian military cadets took part in the practice event - a highlight on the Russian calendar Credit: Getty Images 20
A pigeon stands as Russian military cadets watch the main parade go by Credit: Getty Images 20
Russian jets fly over the Kremlin during a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade which will take place on May 9 Credit: AP:Associated Press 20
Servicemen in desert training gear march in formation in St Petersburg's Palace Square Credit: Getty Images 20
Mil Mi-8 multipurpose helicopters take to the skies over St Petersburg's Palace Square Credit: Getty Images 20
A massive tank casually trundles over a bridge as a tourist boat floats beneath Credit: Getty Images 20
Female soldiers march in formation to mark the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War, the Eastern Front of World War 2 Credit: Getty Images 20
The impressive show of Russian military might comes as tensions mount on the Korean peninsula Credit: Getty Images 20
A powerful T-34-85 tank mounts a trailer in St Petersburg's Palace Square at the end of rehearsals Credit: Getty Images 20
Sukhoi Su-24M bombers- recently in action in Syria - fly over St Petersburg's Palace Square Credit: Getty Images 20
Armour-plated T-72B3 battle tanks rehearse ahead of next week's big parade Credit: Getty Images 20
A mixed flight group of MIG-29 aircrafts andSu-30 aircrafts fly above the Ivan the Great Bell Tower Credit: Getty Images 20
A T-34-85 tank seen powering through St Petersburg's Palace Square Credit: Getty Images 20
A Russian cadet yawns at the start of a cadets parade in the Victory Park Memorial, Moscow Credit: EPA 20
A local waves a single flower at the passing parade of troops in full military uniform Credit: EPA 20
The parade is in memory of Saint Georges the Victorious, the heavenly patron of Moscow and warriors Credit: EPA 
