A day of the flying squadron celebrating the 50th anniversary of National Reunification Day

For nearly a month, hundreds of members of the Air Defense - Air Force's flight squadrons have been actively practicing complex team exercises and techniques to prepare for performances at the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025).

Pilots of aircraft such as Yak-130, SU-30MK2, Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters from many regiments across the country gathered at Bien Hoa airport ( Dong Nai ) for training.

From early morning at Bien Hoa airport, the Su-30MK2 fighter jets, including 7 aircraft, had their covers opened and "lit up" in the hangar. Technical units performed their duties in an urgent atmosphere, bustling with the roar of jet engines.

The technical staff team prepares and checks the equipment before the practice flight to perform for the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day.

Before each training session, pilots carefully and thoroughly check their specialized flight suits.

After completing the aircraft inspection, the two pilots sat in the cockpit, fastened their seat belts, put on masks connected to the pressure control system to take the plane to the runway.

The SU-30MK2 is the most modern fighter jet of the Vietnamese Air Force today. These multi-role fighters are also given the extremely brave name "king cobra".

The formation of three fighters formed an arrow, holding position before practicing complex techniques such as acrobatics and separation.

Then, SU-30MK2 fighter jets will practice shooting heat traps in the sky of Ho Chi Minh City.

"With a large number of SU-30MK2 and Yak-130 aircraft, Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters, and complex flights, this is also an opportunity to affirm the strength of the Vietnam People's Army and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification," said Lieutenant Colonel Tran Thanh Luan, Deputy Commander of Military Training Regiment 935 (Division 370, Air Defense - Air Force).

Along with fighter planes, two types of helicopters, Mi-8 and Mi-17, also practiced flying in formations of 3-4 aircraft in tandem.

Inside the cockpit of an Mi-8 helicopter. To maintain position while flying, pilots must coordinate operations and communicate with ground forces.

It is expected that aircraft of the Air Defense - Air Force will perform a welcome flight in the sky of Ho Chi Minh City on the morning of April 30.

The helicopter will reenact the flag-raising performance as performed at the Vietnam International Defense Exhibition in Hanoi and the 70th Anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory.

In recent days, pilots have had to fly helicopters and fighter jets twice in one morning, practice forming formations, and perform complex aerobatics to prepare for performances on the occasion of April 30.

"With high training intensity and hot weather, living and eating conditions are still difficult, but we always encourage each other to unite to overcome all difficulties, determined to complete the assigned tasks well," said Lieutenant Colonel Le Duy Cuong, pilot and navigator of Air Force Regiment 917 (Division 370, Air Defense - Air Force).

After each flight, pilots spend time exchanging and sharing flight experiences with each other.

After each practice session in the sky, pilots will gather in the mock-up area after lunch break to practice their flights and routes for the next day's field flight.

A large area with main rivers flowing through provinces and cities marked in blue such as Dong Nai River, Saigon River, Tri An Lake... is shrunk down to a yard of about 100 square meters.

According to the plan, the 50th Anniversary of National Reunification Day will be held in Ho Chi Minh City with a parade on the morning of April 30. The army prepares many rituals such as firing 21 cannon shots, air force salute, parade of the army and guerrillas of the South...

Dantri.com.vn

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/xa-hoi/mot-ngay-cua-phi-doi-bay-chao-mung-50-nam-ngay-thong-nhat-dat-nuoc-20250322013152292.htm