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EN
In a solemn and joyful atmosphere leading up to the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and the reunification of the country (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025), the skies over Ho Chi Minh City became a special grandstand, witnessing an impressive training demonstration by the Vietnamese Air Force. From early morning on April 25th, city residents had the opportunity to admire these powerful "iron birds," including modern Su-30MK2 and Yak-130 fighter jets, along with versatile Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters, during a meticulous training session in preparation for the upcoming historic parade and march.
At approximately 9:10 AM, a formation of 10 helicopters appeared in the skies over Ho Chi Minh City from Bien Hoa Airport (Dong Nai province), moving in a beautiful 3-4-3 formation along a carefully planned route. Particularly striking was the sight of the helicopters towing the vibrant red national flag and the majestic Party flag, soaring over the city center, creating a moving and proud moment for the people.
On the morning of April 25th, prior to the rehearsal for the parade commemorating the 50th anniversary of national reunification, a squadron of Su-30MK2 fighter jets and Mi helicopters conducted a training session in the skies over Ho Chi Minh City.
People eagerly watched the rehearsal.
The rehearsal was a seamless coordination between helicopter and fighter squadrons, preparing for the official performance in the parade commemorating the 50th anniversary of the reunification of the country. The flight formations were divided into many groups, performing tactical flight maneuvers, creating a spectacular display with absolute synchronization and precision between modern fighter jets and powerful helicopters.
A majestic helicopter squadron, carrying the national flag and the Party flag, flies over the central skies of Ho Chi Minh City during a training exercise.
The training flight route for the squadrons begins at Bien Hoa Airport (Dong Nai province), then follows the Hanoi Highway, crosses the Saigon Bridge, and ends in the central area of Ho Chi Minh City – where the preliminary and final rehearsals and the official commemoration ceremony will take place on April 30th. This is a crucial technical check, and also an opportunity for the pilots to perfectly fine-tune their flight formations and coordinate seamlessly with ground operations at the main viewing platform on Le Duan Street, in front of the Independence Palace.
These days, Ho Chi Minh City seems to be enveloped in an atmosphere of joy and overflowing with pride.
During a training exercise on the morning of April 25th, powerful fighter jets flew in formation across the central area of Ho Chi Minh City, attracting everyone's attention. The characteristic roar of the jet engines from the fighter jets, along with the familiar sound of helicopter rotors echoing in the air, captivated residents and tourists in Ho Chi Minh City. At around 9 am, the squadrons simultaneously entered the city center's airspace, showcasing synchronized flight maneuvers and spectacular, technically skillful aerobatic displays. The powerful Su-30 fighter jets glided across the central sky, creating a powerful whistling sound, while the Yak-130 fighters also demonstrated their agility as they soared through the air.
The roaring sound of jet engines from fighter jets and the distinctive whirring of helicopter rotors echoing through the air leave residents and tourists in Ho Chi Minh City in awe.
The skillful aerial displays not only showcase the modern combat capabilities of the Vietnamese Air Force but also demonstrate the close coordination, absolute precision, and high professionalism of the pilots. The official parade on the morning of April 30th on Le Duan Street, District 1, promises to be a spectacular event with 21 cannon shots to the solemn national anthem, a welcoming parade by the Air Force along with military, police, militia, and civilian contingents.
The helicopters glided through the air, "tearing" through it.
Reportedly, the helicopter formations took off from Bien Hoa Airport (Dong Nai province) and then flew in a carefully prepared formation towards the center of Ho Chi Minh City. This is the third time these flag-carrying helicopter formations have appeared in the area this April, following impressive reconnaissance and demonstration flights on April 18th and 22nd. Each appearance of these "doves of peace" attracts special attention and a great sense of pride from the city's residents.
These skillful aerial displays not only demonstrate combat capabilities but also showcase the close coordination and absolute precision between the pilots.
Everyone worked hard practicing for a grand anniversary celebration.
Following these thorough rehearsals, the state-level dress rehearsal will be held on April 27th on Le Duan Street, featuring many spectacular elements such as helicopters hoisting the national flag and the Party flag, skillful aerobatic maneuvers by fighter jets, a solemn parade of the armed forces, and a majestic cannon salute at Bach Dang Wharf to the stirring strains of the Vietnamese national anthem. Ho Chi Minh City these days is enveloped in an atmosphere of joy and fervent pride, as its people eagerly await this great national holiday – a milestone marking 50 years of peace, unification, and development for Vietnam.
