Russia's new President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin surveyed a massive military parade in Moscow's Red Square Friday a day after the State Duma confirmed Putin in the premiership.

Flag-carriers from a military honour guard led the parade to mark the 63rd anniversary of Russia's victory over Germany in World War II.

The cadets carried the flag of the Russian Federation, the Red Flag of victory and the flag of the Russian armed forces as they marched in front of the walls of the Kremlin.

Medvedev and Putin surveyed the parade along with thousands of war veterans and official guests.

Friday's parade is the first in 18 years to include military equipment, like tanks and other heavy artillery, rolling across Red Square.

Some 8,000 soldiers were expected to take part in the parade, which is being carried live on state-run television.

Russia was also expected to display the most up-to-date missiles and fighter jets at the parade.