The aircraft carrying the Russian troops landed at Noi Bai shortly after 10 a.m. The Ministry of National Defense, in coordination with relevant units, completed entry procedures for the delegation and their equipment. Colonel Phung Chi Cao, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Hanoi Capital Command, welcomed the delegation at the airport and presented them with flowers.

Russian troops leaving Noi Bai's Terminal 2. Photo: Hong Chieu

Russian troops leaving Noi Bai's Terminal 2. Photo: Hong Chieu

Following the welcome ceremony, the troops proceeded to their accommodations to prepare for parade rehearsals and related activities.

Military delegations from Cambodia and Laos arrived in Vietnam on 15/8 and 16/8, respectively. Both delegations are staying in Phu Tho province and are training at the Mieu Mon National Training Center.

During a government press conference on 7/8, Major General Tong Van Thanh, Deputy Director of the Propaganda and Training Department, stated that Vietnam had invited four countries to participate in the National Day parade. Three of those countries – Russia, Laos, and Cambodia – accepted the invitation.

Russian troops will participate in the A80 parade. Photo: Hong Chieu

Russian troops will participate in the A80 parade. Photo: Hong Chieu

The National Day celebration on 2/9 at Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi, where President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence in 1945, will commence with a traditional torch procession and a ceremonial artillery salute. This will be followed by an air force flyover and the parade.

After passing the reviewing stand, the parade contingents will disperse through the city streets. They will interact with the public through cultural performances at Quan Ngua Sports Palace and the August Revolution Square near the Hanoi Opera House.

This year's parade will include ground troops, mechanized units, air and naval forces. Around 16,000 individuals will participate, comprising 43 marching blocks, 18 stationary blocks, and 14 blocks of military and special police vehicles and artillery.

For the first time in 40 years, since the National Day celebration on 2/9/1985, the parade will feature military artillery vehicles, including armored tanks. A naval parade will also be held for the first time in Khanh Hoa province, with participation from the Navy, Coast Guard, Border Guard, and Military Zone 5.

Hoang Phuong