31 aircraft rehearse over Ba Dinh square

For the first time, a formation of helicopters, CASA 295, CASA 212i, Yak-130, L-39NG, and Su-30MK2 aircraft conducted two rehearsal flights over Ba Dinh square on the morning of 24/8.

The CASA C-295 is over 24 m long, has a wingspan of nearly 26 m, and stands over 8.6 m tall. It can carry up to 71 people or over 9 tons of cargo. Photo: Giang Huy

A formation of 10 helicopters flew over West Lake towards Ba Dinh square at 8:35 a.m. In this second rehearsal, the Vietnam People's Air Force deployed various helicopter models, including the Mi-8, Mi-17, Mi-171, and Mi-172. Photo: Giang Huy

A total of 31 aircraft participated in this morning's flight rehearsal: 10 helicopters; three CASA C-295 and C-212i transport aircraft; six Yak-130s; four L-39NGs; and eight Su-30MK2s. Three airfields – Hoa Lac, Gia Lam (Hanoi), and Kep (Bac Ninh) – served as takeoff and landing points.

After reaching their designated altitude, the Yak-130s formed their flight pattern. This was the first time six Yak-130 fighter jets flew in an equilateral triangle formation – double the number that performed in Ho Chi Minh City on 30/4. Photo: Vu Anh - Tung Dinh

Following the helicopter formation were three CASA C-295 and C-212i transport aircraft. The photo shows the CASA formation flying over the National Assembly building.

The weather in Hanoi this morning was around 31 degrees Celsius with a light breeze, favorable for the rehearsal. Photo: Tung Dinh

Following the L-39NG formation, the capital's sky reverberated with the roar of the Su-30MK2 "Super Flankers." This is the most modern fighter jet in the Vietnamese military, commissioned in 12/2006. The photo shows a formation of five Su-30MK2s flying over the Hanoi Flag Tower. Photo: Vu Anh

At 9:15 a.m., 10 helicopters carrying the Party flag and the national flag departed from Hoa Lac Airport, heading towards central Hanoi. The photo shows a helicopter flying over Hoan Kiem Lake (front photo) and the Temple of Literature. Photo: Ngoc Thanh

The CASA C-295 is over 24 m long, has a wingspan of nearly 26 m, and stands over 8.6 m tall. It can carry up to 71 people or over 9 tons of cargo. Photo: Giang Huy

Around 10:00 a.m., the national flag and the Party flag billowed from the helicopters as they flew over Ba Dinh square. Photo: Ngoc Thanh

The helicopter formation carrying the national flag and the Party flag flew over Ba Dinh square and the National Assembly building, as hundreds of people and tourists cheered below. Photo: Tung Dinh

The helicopter formation flew over Long Bien Bridge at 10:08 a.m. Photo: Pham Chieu

A formation of four L-39NG training aircraft flew over Ba Dinh square. This was the first time L-39NGs participated in rehearsals for the upcoming national celebration.

The aircraft maintained an echelon formation with a consistent distance and spacing of 20 m and an altitude difference of 5-7 m, approaching the grandstand area at an altitude of 250 to 300 m. Photo: Tung Dinh

This was the first time a five-aircraft formation of Su-30MK2s flew over Ba Dinh square.

This fighter jet squadron has become a crowd favorite at major national events, such as the International Defense Exhibition in 11/2024 and the 50th anniversary of national reunification parade. Photo: Pham Du

A Su-30MK2 cuts through the air, executing a vertical climb.

This fighter jet has 12 hardpoints under its wings for carrying a diverse array of weapons, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, rockets, guided bombs, and conventional bombs. Photo: Tung Dinh

Around 10:00 a.m., the national flag and the Party flag billowed from the helicopters as they flew over Ba Dinh square. Photo: Ngoc Thanh

The helicopter formation carrying the national flag and the Party flag flew over Ba Dinh square and the National Assembly building, as hundreds of people and tourists cheered below. Photo: Tung Dinh