Su-30MK2 fighters deploy flares over Ba Dinh square

Formations of Su-30MK2 fighter jets released flares over the capital city during the National Day parade rehearsal on Tuesday morning, August 30, as crowds below cheered excitedly.

A Su-30MK2 squadron maneuvers, releasing flares near the flag tower. This is the first time fighter jets have deployed flares in central Hanoi after training. Photo: Vo Thanh

Around 7:30 a.m., a Su-30MK2 squadron flew towards Ba Dinh square, deploying flares.

Today, 31 fighter jets and helicopters of the Vietnam People's Air Force will fly over Ba Dinh square during the final rehearsal for the National Day parade. Photo: Giang Huy

Moment of Su-30MK2 releasing flares over the capital city. Video: Giang Huy

The Su-30MK2 cuts through the air, releasing flares over the capital, alongside a Yak-130 squadron. Photo: Son Tung

Yak-130 aircraft join formation. This is the first time six Yak-130 fighter jets have flown in an equilateral triangle formation—twice as many as during the air show in Ho Chi Minh City on 30/4. Photo: Ngoc Thanh

The "cobra" Su-30MK2 maneuvers and deploys flares.

Flares are part of an active defense system designed to protect aircraft from infrared-guided anti-aircraft missiles. This system is mounted on the tail of the Su-30MK2 fighter. Photo: Giang Huy

Two Su-30MK2 fighters fly over Hanoi Railway Station. Photo: Pham Du

Su-30MK fighter banks in the sky, deploying flares. Photo: Son Tung

A helicopter squadron carrying the Party flag and the national flag flies over Ba Dinh square. Photo: Ngoc Thanh

A squadron of 10 helicopters carrying the Party flag and the national flag flies over Lenin Park this morning, as people below excitedly watch and take photos. Photo: Vo Thanh

Thousands of people on Trang Tien - Hang Khay street (Hoan Kiem ward) intently watch the aircraft display. Photo: Quynh Tran

The Su-30MK2 is the most modern fighter jet in the Vietnamese military, having been in service since 12/2006.

This fighter has 12 hardpoints under its wings for mounting various weapons, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, rockets, guided bombs, and conventional bombs. Photo: Ngoc Thanh

A veteran uses a phone to record the moment a fighter jet releases flares. Photo: Quynh Tran

A helicopter squadron flies over Nhat Tan bridge to return to base. Photo: Giang Huy

A squadron of four L-39NG training aircraft flies over Ba Dinh square.

These aircraft maintain an echelon formation with a stable distance and spacing of 20 m, an altitude difference of 5-7 m, and approach the grandstand area at an altitude of 250 to 300 m. Photo: Vo Thanh