The Army 2002 display on Salisbury Plain involves every section of the force in demonstrations of its firepower.

But the Army said the display was just one part of the event which runs until Sunday.

Also on show are an Army Air Corps display of historic aircraft, the Blue Eagles Helicopter Display Team and the new Apache tank-busting helicopter.

An Army spokesman said: "The audience will see, and very definitely hear, the biggest demonstration of military might ever held in Europe."

"We're looking to keep the army in the public eye," said project director Colonel David Lyon.

"The best way to recruit is to show young people someone they might like to serve with."