Around 7 AM, the Yak-130 formation left the hangar and lined up on the runway for takeoff.

Kep Airport roared with the sounds of Su-30MK2, Yak-130, and L-39NG engines in mid-August as pilots practiced for the Vietnam People's Air Force's aerial display during the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (A80).

A Su-30MK2 conducted a weather reconnaissance flight at 5:30 AM on 13/8 to assess conditions before the formations began their practice. The fighter jet landed back at Kep Airport after 30 minutes. The clear skies were ideal for practice.

The Yak-130s, part of the 940th Regiment stationed in Phu Cat (Gia Lai), were moved to northern Vietnam in late July to practice for A80. In late 2023, the Yak formation conducted live-fire exercises at Kep Airport.

The Yak-130s took off in formations of three. This compact trainer aircraft has two advanced jet engines and a two-seat cockpit. Equipped with wing-mounted weapon racks, the Yak-130 serves as both a trainer and a light fighter.

Following the Yak-130s, the L-39NGs taxied onto the runway. Making their debut in the national celebration, six aircraft (four primary and two reserve) along with 12 pilots and a technical crew from Tuy Hoa (formerly Phu Yen province) arrived at Kep Airport in mid-July for training.

After reaching altitude, the Yaks formed their designated patterns. This performance in northern Vietnam marks the first time the fighters have flown in a six-plane equilateral triangle formation—twice the size of the formation flown in Ho Chi Minh City for the 30/4 celebrations.

Meanwhile, the four L-39NGs formed an echelon formation and approached the simulated viewing stand. This was their first training session in northern Vietnam, and the pilots meticulously prepared for each maneuver due to the significant difference in weather conditions compared to the south.

The Su-30MK2s were the last to take off, two at a time, flying in formations of three to five.

The Su-30MK2, a two-seat supersonic multirole fighter jet, is the most advanced fighter aircraft in the Air Defense - Air Force, introduced in 2006. It is designed to engage strategic and tactical missile carriers, bombers, and other airborne targets.

The pilots performed two takeoffs and landings that morning, practicing formation merging and splitting, along with complex aerobatic maneuvers in preparation for the celebrations. Notably, the Su-30MK2s flew in a five-plane formation for the first time, a highly skilled maneuver requiring precise coordination.

These fighter jets have consistently drawn public attention during major national events, such as the International Defense Exhibition in November 2024 and the 50th anniversary of the liberation of southern Vietnam and reunification of the country on 30/4. On 30/7, Su-30MK2s conducted their first reconnaissance flight over Ba Dinh Square in preparation for the upcoming celebration.

After two takeoffs and landings, the aircraft returned to the maintenance area for servicing.

The Air Defense - Air Force will participate in the A80 celebrations with three components: the aerial display team; the anti-aircraft artillery unit, showcasing modern anti-aircraft missiles; and the marching male officer contingent. The aerial display team will feature five types of aircraft: Mi-171E and Mi-8 helicopters, CASA aircraft, Su-30MK2, Yak-130, and L39NG fighter jets.

Giang Huy - Hoang Phuong