Fighter jets, helicopters roar over Ho Chi Minh City ahead of national celebrations

At around 8:30 a.m., 10 Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters, six Yak-130 trainer jets, and seven Su-30MK2 fighters departed Bien Hoa airbase in Dong Nai Province, heading toward the city center.

This was the first downtown flight rehearsal for the ceremony, after nearly a month of preparations conducted in the southern regions.

Helicopters fly over the Independence Palace in downtown HCMC, March 27, 2025. Photo by VnExpress

Each formation took off at intervals of three to five minutes.

Helicopters flew in a 3-4-3 formation, while fighter jets operated in groups of three to four, maintaining a 1–2 km gap between formations.

Entering the city from Thu Duc City, the aircraft followed the Saigon River toward the Independence Palace in District 1.

Helicopeters fly over HCMC's skyscrapers along the Saigon River. Photo by VnExpress

They flew at altitudes ranging from 350 to 400 meters in central areas, lowering to about 200 meters near Bach Dang Wharf opposite Nguyen Hue Walking Street, where buildings are lower.

The Yak-130 and Su-30MK2 jets showcased impressive aerial maneuvers, including acrobatics and synchronized group splits.

According to plans, aircraft will circle downtown twice before returning to Bien Hoa. Weather permitting, aerobatics and flare drops will be featured along the route from Bach Dang Wharf to Landmark 81 in the next day's rehearsals.

 

 

Fighter jets, helicopters roar over Ho Chi Minh City ahead of national celebrations

Trực thăng diễn tập nhìn từ trên cao. Video: Tuấn Việt

Preparations began at Bien Hoa airbase from 6:05 a.m.

A flight command center was established atop Diamond Plaza in District 1, where Major General Nguyen Phung Tuan, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Air Defense – Air Force Service, led coordination efforts alongside military personnel and communication systems.

Another unit from the Air Defense – Air Force Service was assigned to coordinate flight operations from atop the Bitexco Financial Tower.

The Ministry of National Defense had earlier surveyed and mapped out flight routes in coordination with civil aviation authorities to ensure absolute safety during the event.

This air show is part of a broader celebration program marking the 50th anniversary of national reunification (1975-2025), organized by the Central Steering Committee for Major Anniversaries, the Ministry of National Defense, and Ho Chi Minh City authorities.

In addition to the air display, a military parade is scheduled on Le Duan Street in front of the Independence Palace, which witnessed the end of the Vietnam War, on the morning of April 30. It will feature a 21-gun salute, processions showcasing the national emblem, flags of the Communist Party and Vietnam, and a portrait of President Ho Chi Minh.

Around 13,000 people from military units, militia forces, police units, and civilian groups will participate in the parade.