For the first time, the parade included drones, which were wheeled across the square on trailers, as well as a de-mining robot used by the military in Syria’s Palmyra and Aleppo and an unmanned tank. There was even a snowmobile to be used by Arctic units.

Putin presented the nuclear-capable Kinzhal missile system in March during his state of nation address, saying it could “overcome all existing and, I think, prospective air and missile defence systems.”

A pair of SU-57 stealth fighter planes, a fifth generation jet reportedly tested in Syria, also took part in the fly-past.

“This is a holiday which has always been, is now, and always will be sacred for every family,” Putin said, greeting a watching crowd including veterans decked out in medals on a bright sunny morning.

Around 1.6 million people recognised as second world war veterans are still alive in Russia, the labour ministry said.

Putin poured scorn on those, who he said, are trying to “rewrite history” and downplay the Soviet Union’s role in overcoming the Nazis.

“Today people are trying to erase the feat of our people in saving Europe from slavery, from extinction, from the horrors of the Holocaust,” Putin warned, saying they are trying to “forge, rewrite and misinterpret the events of the war.”

“We won’t ever let them do this.”

He watched the parade alongside Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, with whom he was set to hold a meeting later Wednesday, as well as Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. The national leaders later took part in a ceremony with Putin at the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier by the Kremlin walls.

Hollywood action star Steven Seagal was also watching from the stands, after attending Putin’s inauguration on Monday.

Referring directly to the current political situation, Putin warned against a repeat of the second world war, saying that “behind new threats are the same ugly traits: egotism, intolerance, aggressive nationalism and claims to be unique.”

“Russia is open to dialogue on all questions of ensuring global security” and is “ready for constructive, equal partnership,” he said in a speech that concluded with shouts of “Hurrah!” from the assembled forces.

Marking one of the most heartfelt national holidays in Russia, thousands across the country were set to take part in marches through city centres holding up photographs of their relatives who fought in the second world war, a new tradition that has taken root as the number of living veterans has dwindled.