More than 30 aircraft from the Air Defense - Air Force, comprising 9 formations, will participate in the aerial display on the morning of 2/9. The aircraft will take off from Hoa Lac, Gia Lam (Hanoi), and Kep (Bac Ninh) air bases, flying over landmarks such as Nhat Tan Bridge, the Red River, the Vietnam Exhibition Fair Center, West Lake, and towards Ba Dinh Square.

The flyover will include helicopters and fighter jets such as Mi helicopters, SU-30MK2 fighters, Yak-130 combat trainers, L-39NG jet trainers, and CASA transport aircraft. The highlight is expected to be the performance by the jet squadron, including SU-30MK2s, Yak-130s, and L-39NGs.

A representative from the Air Defense - Air Force has shared details about the performance to help residents and visitors choose the best viewing locations and times.

An SU-30MK2 formation flies over the Hanoi Flag Tower on 28/8. Photo: Huy Luong

An SU-30MK2 formation flies over the Hanoi Flag Tower on 28/8. Photo: Huy Luong

Squadrons and performances

Five SU-30MK2s, nicknamed "cobras," will perform together for the first time. These aircraft, the most modern fighter jets in the Vietnamese military, entered service in 12/2006. Each aircraft has 12 hardpoints under its wings for carrying weapons, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, rockets, guided bombs, and conventional bombs. At previous events in Ho Chi Minh City on 30/4 and at defense exhibitions, only 4 SU-30MK2s have flown together. The Yak-130 trainer aircraft will fly in a formation of 6, double the number seen on 30/4. Spectators will witness performances with an unprecedented number of aircraft.

The SU-30MK2s will perform rolls, dives, formation splits, and release flares, creating a light show in the sky.

The Yak-130s will fly in an isosceles triangle formation, performing combat maneuvers.

The L-39NGs will perform difficult combat maneuvers.

SU-30MK2s and Yak-130s perform dives on the morning of 28/8. Video: Vu Anh

Time and viewing locations

The SU-30MK2 and jet squadrons will depart from Kep Airport (Bac Ninh). Aircraft will fly at increasing altitudes, with helicopters flying lowest, followed by transport planes, then jets, reaching a maximum altitude of approximately 300 m.

The National Day celebration on 2/9 will begin at 6:30 a.m. The aerial display will take place before the ground parade.

The jet squadrons will begin their performance as they approach Ba Dinh Square. To ensure a good view, spectators should arrive early and choose locations near Thanh Nien Road, Nguyen Dinh Thi Street, Lenin Park, or the Hanoi Flag Tower. Nearby streets with open spaces or high-rise buildings around West Lake will also offer excellent viewing opportunities.

Spectators should arrive early and choose viewing locations near Thanh Nien Road, Nguyen Dinh Thi Street, Lenin Park, the Hanoi Flag Tower, and other nearby streets.

Tam Anh