Dozens of fighter jets and helicopters performed training exercises in HCM City this morning, March 27, to prepare for a grand military parade marking the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and Vietnam’s National Reunification Day (April 30).
The fleet included Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters, Yak-130 military training aircraft, and Su-30MK2 fighter jets.
The aircraft experienced careful technical checks from early morning at Bien Hoa Airbase in Dong Nai. At around 8.30 am, they left Bien Hoa Airbase in Dong Nai for the centre of HCM City.
This is the first time these aircraft have conducted practice flights over HCM City to serve the Reunification Day anniversary.
Three helicopters flew through the Ba Son Bridge area.
The Su-30MK2 is now the most modern fighter jet of the Vietnamese Air Force.
The Yak-130 formation
Helicopters passed over the Independence Palace
The aircraft circled the HCM City centre area twice before returning to Bien Hoa Airbase.
If the weather is fine tomorrow, they will showcase aerobatic displays and launch flares from Bach Dang Wharf to the Landmark 81 building.
According to the plan, the 50th anniversary of the Reunification Day is scheduled in HCM City on the morning of April 30, and it will include a range of activities. The event will feature a 21-gun salute, an aerial display by the air force, and a parade with the participation of military units and Southern guerrilla forces.