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Lieutenant Colonel Tran Thanh Luan, Deputy Commander of the 935th Air Force Regiment, Division 370 (Air Defense - Air Force Service), said during a training session at Bien Hoa Airport on Tuesday that the air force has structured its preparations for the aerial parade over two months.
Su-30MK2 fighter jets practice for an aerial performance to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Vietnam's reunification, Bien Hoa Airport, March 2025. Video by VnExpress/Tuan Viet
Since early March, dozens of pilots from various regions across Vietnam have gathered at Bien Hoa Airport, around 40 km from HCMC, to rehearse for the April 30 event, which will take place over the Independence Palace in downtown HCMC. The place marks the end of the Vietnam War on April 30, 1975.
Over the past few days, pilots have been conducting formation flights with three to four aircraft, taking off from Bien Hoa Airport and flying through the airspace of nearby Binh Duong and Binh Phuoc provinces. The training includes maneuvers such as formation separations and circling in the sky, Luan said.
He noted that many pilots were flying at Bien Hoa Airport for the first time and required time to familiarize themselves with the terrain. Additionally, the hot and humid weather in southern Vietnam has posed challenges, affecting pilots’ performance in executing complex aerial maneuvers. This has made careful preparation and training essential, he added.
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Three Yak-130 jets fly in formation. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Tung |
To ensure safety, the Ministry of National Defense has mapped out the flight area over central HCMC, coordinated with civil aviation authorities, and finalized a detailed flight plan and route.
"The air force is planning flights to prioritize safety while ensuring the public gets an optimal view of the performance," Luan said.
The Air Defense - Air Force has mobilized five Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters from Hanoi and 27 Su-30MK2 and Yak-130 fighter jets for the training.
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Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters practice for the parade at Bien Hoa airport, March 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Tung |
In addition to the aerial display, a grand parade will take place on the morning of April 30 along Le Duan Street in front of the Independence Palace. The event will feature 21 ceremonial cannon shots synchronized with the Vietnamese national anthem, along with parades by military forces, civilians, and various organizations.
Approximately 13,000 people are expected to participate in the parade, marking one of the largest celebrations in Vietnam to honor its historic reunification.
