From the first light of dawn to well past midday, sleek L-39NG training jets danced across the skies of Tuy Hoa City in Phu Yen Province, south-central Vietnam — their elegant maneuvers drawing gasps of admiration from onlookers below.

These days, residents and tourists alike are treated to an awe-inspiring aerial display over the coastal city as the multi-role L-39NG aircraft of Air Regiment 910, part of the Vietnam Air Force Officer Training School, take to the skies in both solo and complex formation flights.

Air Regiment 910 plays a vital role in training fighter pilot cadets for the Vietnamese People’s Air Force.

Traditionally, the regiment had used L-39 aircraft for instruction, but it recently welcomed a fleet of modern L-39NG jets — newly supplied by the Ministry of National Defense — into its ranks.

After extensive training with these jets, cadets graduate and are deployed to operational units, where they transition to flying advanced fighter aircraft and take on combat-ready duties to defend the nation’s airspace.

These photos were captured during a routine flight training session involving both instructor pilots and cadets aboard the L-39NG.

As someone who is both passionate about photography and fascinated by military aviation, I arrived before sunrise to position myself near the airport, ready to catch the dramatic take-offs and tight formations in Tuy Hoa’s clear blue sky.

As a Phu Yen native, I had grown accustomed to seeing formations of one or two L-39s from Air Regiment 910.

But this was the first time I had ever witnessed four brand-new L-39NG jets flying in such close coordination.

The sight was overwhelming — a mix of excitement and deep national pride.

One particularly touching moment came as I stood on a concrete sea wall near Dong Tac Beach, my camera aimed toward the runway.

Several pilots — spotting me in the distance — waved or flashed a finger heart, acknowledging my lens and my enthusiasm.

It was a small, human gesture that made the scene even more memorable.

These images not only document the beauty and power of the Vietnamese Air Force in action, but also reflect the discipline, dedication, and spirit of continuous learning among its young aviators.

Their ability to quickly master modern aircraft and new technologies speaks to the military’s growing strength and professionalism.

In capturing these moments, I hope to share a sense of pride in Vietnam’s national defense and the resilience of its people — determined, capable, and always looking skyward.