The Vietnam Air Force is preparing for the upcoming 50th anniversary of the April 30th reunification celebrations with extensive training exercises involving several of its Mi helicopters. This special deployment involves five Mi helicopters, including four Mi-17s and one Mi-171, completing long-distance flights from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.
The training exercises, scheduled to take place from April 30, 2025, mark half a century since the unification of Vietnam, commemorated by various military displays. To prepare for this event, the 371st Air Defense Division's 916th Air Regiment conducted flight missions between Hoa Lac Airport in Hanoi and Bien Hoa Airport in Dong Nai province, where they practiced formation flying to participate prominently during the ceremonies.
On February 28, the regiment embarked on this significant mission aimed at executing flyovers, where the helicopters would pass over the Reunification Palace—an iconic symbol of Vietnam’s liberation and reunification history. The task at hand is considerable, especially considering the diverse weather conditions and various technical challenges faced during the flights.
This deployment includes 90 crew members, consisting of pilots, aviation engineers, and ground technicians, who have been thoroughly prepared for this undertaking. Major Nguyen Van Phui, one of the pilots from the 371st Regiment, shared insights about the mission, stating, "This is the first time we are conducting long-distance flights from north to south to commemorate the liberation's 50th anniversary and the reunification day of our country. To successfully complete this task, careful planning of weather, flight technique, and routes was necessary."
Due to the complexity of their mission, strict maintenance and inspection procedures for the aircraft have been prioritized to mitigate any technical issues. There is also close collaboration between intermediary airports to handle any potential concerns swiftly. Major Tran Minh Phu, the deputy commander of the 916th Air Regiment, highlighted the preparedness of the flight crews, asserting, "All our aerial crews are level 1 pilots, highly qualified, and trained to fly under any weather condition. The northern regions experience cold fog, whereas the south can face sudden thunderstorms. It requires intense focus to execute our assigned missions successfully."
According to the flight plan, the helicopters will make scheduled stops at four locations before reaching Bien Hoa Airport, ensuring efficient mission compliance. Upon arrival, the helicopter crews will engage in parade flight training which will prepare them with the 917th and 930th helicopter regiments for the ceremonial activities slated for April 30.
During the commemoration events, the airborne mechanized troops are tasked with ensuring aerial technical operations and displaying flags from their aircraft as they march. This demonstration is symbolic and adds to the festive spirit of the event, with each flag measuring 20 square meters, tied with eight meters of ribbon, and stabilizers weighing 100 kg.
The extensive preparations and collaborative efforts showcase the importance placed on upholding national pride and the historical significance of this milestone. The Vietnam Air Force remains committed to executing its duties with excellence as the nation gears up to honor its heritage and celebrate the unwavering spirit of its people.