5 Su-30MK2 fighter jets practice formation flying for the A80 celebrations

In preparation for the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (A80), the Vietnamese Air Force is deploying a 5-ship Su-30MK2 formation for an aerial display for the first time.

At 5:30 AM on a day in late July, Su-30MK2 fighter jets soared from the runway at Kep Airport (Lang Giang, Bac Ninh) on a weather reconnaissance flight.

After landing, Colonel Nguyen Quang Hai, commander of the 927th Air Regiment (371st Division, Air Defense - Air Force Service), reported on the weather conditions and assigned flight duties.

The technical team conducted a detailed inspection, from the electronic systems and engines to the fuel, for about an hour to ensure the fighters were in optimal condition and completely safe.

This is the first time the Vietnamese Air Force has planned an aerial display with a 5-ship Su-30MK2 formation. This challenge demands precise coordination between the pilots.

After the technical inspection was complete, the pilots inspected their aircraft and prepared for their assigned missions.

The weather in late July was unpredictable, with periods of both rain and sunshine. Squadrons had to postpone training due to the impact of Typhoon Wipha. Last weekend, the clear blue skies provided favorable conditions for the fighter jets to practice.

Compared to the 50th anniversary of the liberation of South Vietnam and reunification of the country (A50), the air force has made many changes for A80. The number of aircraft has been increased, and the formations are larger. Currently, pilots are training with two Su-30MK2 formations: a 3-ship and a 5-ship formation.

Each Su-30MK2 taxied onto the runway and took off to practice special flight maneuvers for the aerial display.

The Su-30MK2 is the most modern fighter jet in the Vietnamese military, having been in service since 12/2006. The aircraft has 12 hardpoints under its wings for carrying a diverse range of weapons, from air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles to rockets, guided bombs, and conventional bombs.

The 3-ship Su-30MK2 formation has become a familiar sight at recent important events.

After about 30 minutes of practice, the Su-30MK2 pilots landed back on the runway, returning to their starting point to prepare for the next flight about an hour later.

The main maneuver being practiced by the pilots is the 5-ship Su-30MK2 arrowhead formation.

A large number of aircraft are participating in the A80 training exercises, many of them concentrated at Kep Airport. Senior Lieutenant Colonel Chu Quoc Khanh, deputy commander of the 927th Air Regiment (371st Division), said they carefully calculated the number of aircraft, selected appropriate parking positions, and arranged everything scientifically to ensure absolute flight safety.