COMMUNITY

Behind the parade

28 Jul 2025

Months of hard work and burnt weekends, all for Singapore’s biggest birthday bash. Here’s your backstage pass to this year’s National Day Parade!

Story by Sherlyn Quek

Photos by PIONEER photographers, Tedd Jong & courtesy of NDP 2025 Exco

Feeling flag-tastic: The SAF Colours Party are all smiles after completing another NDP rehearsal. This year marks the first time the Uncasing of Colours will be held at Marina Square, so that more Singaporeans can watch the ceremony!
Smartly dressed in their crisp No. 1 uniforms, the Colours Party wave to enthusiastic spectators as they head in to get ready for the Uncasing of Colours ceremony earlier in the afternoon.
Red Lions boarding the C-130 Hercules plane. These elite parachutists will be teaming up with naval divers for the first-ever Jump of Unity – the Red Lions will be descending at the Padang while the naval divers will land into the waters of Marina Bay.
Making a splash: After their crowd-wowing jump into the water, the Republic of Singapore Navy’s naval divers are picked up (and their parachutes collected) to make their rounds in greeting audiences around Marina Bay.
Making a splash: After their crowd-wowing jump into the water, the Republic of Singapore Navy’s naval divers are picked up (and their parachutes collected) to make their rounds in greeting audiences around Marina Bay.
Making a splash: After their crowd-wowing jump into the water, the Republic of Singapore Navy’s naval divers are picked up (and their parachutes collected) to make their rounds in greeting audiences around Marina Bay.
Give a wave to the Army’s gunners and combat engineers as they sail across the Bay on the M3G raft! On 9 Aug, these 25-pounder guns will fire 21 times – the highest military honour that is reserved for the President. During NDP previews, the guns are fired 19 times instead for the parade's Reviewing Officer.
F-16 fighter pilot CPT Rachel Wong, who is taking part in her first NDP, enjoying the view of Singapore as she flies to the Padang for the enhanced Salute to the Nation and Jet Formation Flypast.
LTC Muhammad Iskandar, the lead F-15SG pilot, conducting checks on the aircraft. This year’s NDP will feature 26 aircraft in various thrilling displays, so keep your eyes peeled!
LTC Muhammad Iskandar, the lead F-15SG pilot, conducting checks on the aircraft. This year’s NDP will feature 26 aircraft in various thrilling displays, so keep your eyes peeled!
Participants getting their vehicles ready before the Mobile Column rolls out. A total of 170 assets will be taking part in this year’s special segment – besides the traditional vehicle drive-past along St Andrew’s Road, there will also be an aerial flypast over the Padang and a maritime display in Marina Bay!
Participants getting their vehicles ready before the Mobile Column rolls out. A total of 170 assets will be taking part in this year’s special segment – besides the traditional vehicle drive-past along St Andrew’s Road, there will also be an aerial flypast over the Padang and a maritime display in Marina Bay!
Participants getting their vehicles ready before the Mobile Column rolls out. A total of 170 assets will be taking part in this year’s special segment – besides the traditional vehicle drive-past along St Andrew’s Road, there will also be an aerial flypast over the Padang and a maritime display in Marina Bay!
The RSN’s Combatant Craft Medium sailing out after being hoisted at Marina Barrage. These hoisting operations enable the five vessels taking part in this year’s Maritime Display, to enter the waters of Marina Bay.
The RSN’s Combatant Craft Medium sailing out after being hoisted at Marina Barrage. These hoisting operations enable the five vessels taking part in this year’s Maritime Display, to enter the waters of Marina Bay.
“Dragon-tamer” in action: CH-47F helicopter pilot Lieutenant Colonel Tan Guan Yong conducting pre-flight checks on the Chinook before the State Flag Flypast.
An exclusive view: The Republic of Singapore Air Force’s CH-47F Heavy Lift Chinook, S-70B Seahawk and AH-64D Apache helicopters approaching Show Centre at the Padang as part of the Helicopter Formation Flypast.
Students sneaking in a wefie with Joakim Gomez, one of this year’s NDP hosts.
Performers getting their outfits show-perfect. More than 39 artistes and 3,000 performers will be taking part in the spectacular Show segment!
Star power: Local artistes coming together for a group shot after the finale at one of the NDP rehearsals.
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