LIVE: Vietnam stages military parade to mark 80th National Day

The parade and military procession are held solemnly at Ba Dinh Square.

Among the 79 participating formations, four are from international delegations representing China, Russia, Laos, and Cambodia.

The event, held in celebration of the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day, features a powerful display of military and security equipment.

It includes 30 aircraft, over 200 vehicles—ranging from motorcycles to weapons and specialized equipment used by the police and armed forces—as well as more than 40 naval vessels participating in a sea parade.

The display highlights the strength, determination, and spirit of the Vietnamese people.

Next, the parade formation representing the Culture and Sports sector, a key force in preserving the nation's cultural identity and enhancing the people's spiritual life, marches past the reviewing stand.

The group includes officials, civil servants, trainers, artists, actors, and athletes — individuals recognized for their contributions to the development of the country's culture and sports.

At 8:27 am, the formations representing Vietnamese workers, farmers, intellectuals, revolutionary journalists, entrepreneurs, and women pass the reviewing stand.

Vietnam's revolutionary press, founded with the Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper by leader Nguyen Ai Quoc in 1925, marks 100 years of development, steadfast under the Party's leadership, serving the nation and its people.

Building on the August Revolution's spirit, Vietnamese entrepreneurs have shown resilience and creativity for 80 years, bringing Vietnamese intelligence and determination to the global stage.

Today's generation of entrepreneurs leads the country's development, acting as peacetime soldiers pioneering a prosperous and strong Vietnam.

With a tradition of heroism, resilience, loyalty, and capability, Vietnamese women have made significant contributions to the struggle for national independence and reunification.

The formation of overseas Vietnamese then passes the stand, representing more than six million citizens living, studying, and working in 130 countries and territories.

Overseas Vietnamese have become a cultural, intellectual, and creative bridge connecting Vietnam to the world in the new era.

The youth formation follows, representing young Vietnamese determined to master science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

They confidently step onto the world stage equipped with political resolve, knowledge, physical strength, and a rich Vietnamese cultural identity.

At 8:24 am, the formations of the flag unit, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and representatives of the country's 54 ethnic groups pass the reviewing stand in sequence.

The 54 ethnic groups symbolize the spirit of unity, harmony, and coexistence in the nation's 'S-shaped' territory.

Following them, the Vietnam Veterans formation advances past the stand.

Throughout the country's great national resistance wars, Vietnamese veterans demonstrated bravery, intelligence, and readiness to fight and sacrifice.

Alongside the military and people, they contributed to many outstanding victories.

The formation of former Vietnam People's Public Security officers then passes the reviewing stand.

With a proud, loyal, and indomitable tradition, successive generations of former public security officers have faced hardship and danger, fought on battlefields, and confronted threats in the struggle against crime. 

At 8:13 am, a formation of specialized vehicles tasked with protecting and escorting Party and state leaders, as well as international delegations, passes the reviewing stand.

The convoy includes escort motorcycles, operational vehicles, multifunctional incident response vehicles, and specially equipped armored vehicles assigned to the Guard Force.

These vehicles support the reception and escort of high-level delegations, foreign guests, and visiting heads of state.

Key vehicles include Chevrolet Suburbans, multifunctional incident response vehicles, and IAG armored cars with the highest level of bullet resistance, offering high mobility and combat capability.

Following these are specialized counter-terrorism vehicles from the Special Police Force, representing the strength, discipline, elite status, and modernity of the national police.

At the same time, aircraft from the Vietnam People's Air Force, including YAK-130s and Su-30MK2s, fly over Ba Dinh Square in salute.

The Su-30MK2 aircraft deploy flare countermeasures during the flyover.

Next, a formation of mobile command and control vehicles enters the reviewing stand.

These vehicles enable rapid deployment and establishment of mobile command centers in complex and difficult terrain.

They provide real-time audio and video data transmission from fixed and mobile surveillance cameras and drones to the Ministry of Public Security's Command Center.

This capability supports efficient command, control, and operational direction for the People's Police Force.

Following them are specialized armored vehicles designed for the Special Police Force.

These vehicles offer high mobility and combat capability, with the ability to overcome obstacles and operate in deep water.

The armored body and windows provide protection against various types of bullets, while the undercarriage remains secure against mines.

The wheels can continue to function even if punctured or damaged during operations.

Each vehicle can carry a combat crew of eight to ten personnel, ensuring secure command and control during missions.

A formation of specialized amphibious vehicles from the Mobile Police Force then passes the stand.

These semi-military vehicles are made from special steel and are highly mobile across all terrains.

They are used for special tasks including disaster response, search and rescue, and combat in difficult or complex environments.

Following them is a formation of multifunctional support vehicles designed to lift and tow vehicles over obstacles during combat, rescue, and support missions.

A convoy of riot control vehicles also passes the reviewing stand.

These vehicles are specialized for riot suppression, crowd control, and firefighting.

They are equipped with advanced automatic control systems, including high-pressure water cannons, integrated tear gas mixers, and paint sprayers for marking targets.

Cameras mounted on the front, rear, and roof provide personnel with full situational awareness.

At the same time, a group of five Su-30MK2 fighter jets perform aerial demonstrations over Ba Dinh Square, including loops and flare deployments in salute.

Next, fire-fighting and rescue vehicles advance toward the reviewing stand. Leading the formation is a command vehicle equipped with communication and control systems for on-site coordination.

This is followed by multi-purpose fire engines with 5,000-liter water tanks and high-capacity pumps capable of flexible water discharge and suction.

Also included is a modern ladder truck capable of extending up to 32 meters and rotating 360 degrees, designed to assist firefighting and rescue operations in high-rise buildings.

Concurrently, armed forces units conduct a naval parade.

At 8:12 am, a formation of specialized vehicles from the Vietnam People's Public Security Forces passes the reviewing stand.

The convoy is led by traffic command vehicles used for escort duties.

These traffic command vehicles have been upgraded, modernized, and improved to meet requirements for appearance, technical performance, operational speed, combat capability, and safety.

They also comply with the government's green transition directives.

Modern military equipment advances into Ba Dinh Square.

At 8:09 am, a formation of engineering vehicles from the Corps of Engineers passes the reviewing stand.

Leading the formation are the AM-50S and MS-20S bridge-laying vehicles.

These vehicles feature high automation and precision, enabling rapid deployment and recovery.

They ensure mobility for troops and engineering equipment to safely cross water obstacles.

The AM-50S bridge set consists of four vehicles, capable of spanning 50 meters with a depth reach of up to six meters and supporting loads up to 46.5 tonnes.

The MS-20S bridge spans 20 meters and supports loads up to 63.5 tonnes.

These highly mobile systems are assigned to the engineering forces and provide flexible mobility across all terrains within combined arms formations, meeting the demands of modern warfare. Alongside the ground parade on Ba Dinh Square, a naval parade is also presented continuously.

This marks the first time naval vessels and equipment participated in a national-level parade at sea.

At 8:05 am, a formation of strategic and operational-level mobile military communications vehicles developed and produced by Vietnam's defense industry pass the reviewing stand.

Leading the formation is a command and staff vehicle, followed by reconnaissance vehicles, radio communication vehicles, and terminal vehicles.

These vehicles feature high mobility and are equipped with modern communication systems that provide fast, multi-channel, multi-service data transmission.

They are capable of electronic warfare resistance and offer high security.

Over the years, these mobile military communications vehicles have played a vital role in ensuring communications for combat readiness, supporting major national political events, military exercises, disaster response, epidemic control, and search and rescue operations.

Next, an electronic warfare vehicle formation passes the stand.

The lead vehicle, a command vehicle, is jointly developed by the Electronic Warfare Department and the Military Industry and Telecommunications Group.

It is followed by reconnaissance and jamming vehicles, including the E-3.2.0.2 unmanned aerial vehicle jammer, the AJAS-1000 radio communication reconnaissance and jamming complex, the A2 electronic warfare vehicle, and the GBR-HP ultra-high frequency reconnaissance and jamming complex.

Following this is a chemical defense vehicle formation from the Chemical Corps, symbolizing the nation's strength in protecting against weapons of mass destruction.

These vehicles are designed to respond to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and environmental threats, and to handle chemical contamination after warfare.

Leading the group is the ID-1 multi-purpose reconnaissance vehicle, used to detect chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear agents.

The formation also includes SKID, T-14D, TMVA-17, KTH-20, and TDT-09 vehicles, produced domestically and imported, used for decontamination, radiation cleansing, and disinfection of terrain and equipment.

In recent years, the Chemical Corps has been at the forefront of environmental incident response, COVID-19 pandemic prevention, and chemical hazard management across various regions, contributing to public safety.

At 8:00 am, a formation of self-propelled artillery vehicles, including the Su-122 and Su-152, pass the reviewing stand.

These modern tactical artillery guns feature high mobility, powerful firepower, rapid firing rates, and high accuracy, making them suitable for contemporary combat requirements.

Next in the procession is the BM-21 multiple rocket launcher unit.

The BM-21 is a mobile and flexible self-propelled rocket artillery system, upgraded for greater firepower and extended range.

At the end of the formation are Scud-B strategic missiles.

These weapons form the foundation for building a modern artillery and missile command, ready to defend the nation.

Following this is a unit of coastal artillery and missile vehicles from the Vietnam People's Navy.

Established alongside the growth of the Navy, this coastal artillery and missile force has been continuously developed into a more professional and modern force.

Leading this group are missile launcher vehicles from the Redut-M and Bastion complexes.

These missile systems have ranges of several hundred kilometers and feature multiple modern combat modes.

They symbolize defensive strength and form a steel shield protecting the nation's seas and islands.

With flexible mobility and powerful destructive capabilities, the Redut-M and Bastion systems confirm their leading position in Vietnam's modern missile forces.

Next comes the Truong Son missile complex, developed and produced by the Military Industry and Telecommunications Group.

The system includes command vehicles, radar vehicles, launcher vehicles, transport and reload vehicles, and various anti-ship missiles with different ranges.

The complex is responsible for sea surveillance, data collection and processing, target selection, and missile strikes in modern combat conditions.

It is a key element of the coastal defense system and capable of delivering powerful missile strikes to destroy enemy targets, contributing to the protection of the country's sacred maritime sovereignty.

A formation of air defense and air force artillery vehicles then pass the stand.

Leading this group is the Spyder command vehicle, a crucial component of the modern air defense missile system.

The artillery and military vehicles of the Artillery and Missile Command follow.

At the front are artillery transport vehicles assembled domestically by the General Department of Logistics and Technical Services of the Ministry of Defense.

These vehicles tow 130M46 long-barrel cannons and 152D20 artillery guns.

With long range, powerful firepower, and high combat effectiveness, these guns previously unleashed devastating barrages on invading forces, earning numerous distinguished achievements.

They played key roles in major battles such as Dien Bien Phu, Con Tien, Doc Mieu, Khe Sanh, Route 9, and the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign, contributing to the proud history of the nation.

At 7:55 am, a formation of T-90S and T-62 tanks, led by a T-90SK command tank, passes the reviewing stand.

The T-62 tanks are armed with 115mm main guns.

The T-90S tanks, among the most modern in service, have three-person crews and are equipped with 125mm main guns, coaxial machine guns, and the capability to fire missiles through the gun barrel.

These weapons offer superior smart firepower, high mobility, and fast, accurate fire control systems.

They have achieved notable success in training and are ready for combat, affirming the strength of Vietnam's heroic armored forces.

Following the tanks, amphibious armored vehicles advance past the stand.

Leading the group is the BRDM-2 reconnaissance vehicle, equipped with a 14.5mm machine gun and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.

The vehicle has a three-person crew and is prepared for rapid reconnaissance across all terrains.

Next is the BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicle, armed with a 73mm smoothbore gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and B72 missiles.

The BMP-2 follows, equipped with a 30mm gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and B89 missiles.

It carries an infantry squad and operates effectively both on land and in water.

The BTR-60PU command and communications vehicle, upgraded by Vietnam, is also part of the formation.

It serves as a mobile communication hub, ensuring seamless command in all situations.

The vehicle has earned outstanding performance records during training and exercises with mechanized infantry and armored units.

The procession continues with armored vehicles produced by the General Department of National Defense Industry.

Leading this group is the XCB-01 infantry fighting vehicle, armed with a 73mm smoothbore gun, a 12.7mm anti-aircraft gun, a 7.62mm machine gun, and B72 anti-tank missiles.

Following is the XTC-02 armored personnel carrier, equipped with a 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun and a 7.62mm general-purpose machine gun.

These modern combat vehicles enhance the army's fighting strength.

They also stand as a powerful testament to the significant advances of Vietnam's defense industry, which emphasizes autonomy, self-reliance, resilience, dual-use capability, and modernization.

The industry is ready to ensure strong protection of the country under any circumstance.

At 7:52 am, parade continues with naval and armored forces.

Event organizers invite Party and state leaders and the public to continue watching the military parade, including units operating at sea.

7:54 am, armored vehicles and police tactical units enter Ba Dinh Square.

Columns of military tanks and police tactical vehicles roll past the reviewing stand, beginning with T-54B and T-55 tanks.

Equipped with 100mm guns and machine guns, the tanks are known for their mobility and firepower.

The upgraded T-54B variant, modernized by Vietnam's General Department of Logistics and Engineering, features enhanced systems and smart capabilities, officials said.

These tanks played key roles in historic campaigns, including Route 9–Southern Laos, Quang Tri, the Central Highlands, and the Ho Chi Minh Campaign.

At 7:50 am, mounted riot police unit marches past the reviewing stand.

Vietnam's mounted riot police, trained in tactical operations using service horses, parade through Ba Dinh Square.

The unit has supported public security operations in urban patrols, anti-crime efforts, and major national and international events.

At 7:40 am, People's Public Security forces march in the parade.

The People's Public Security forces march past the reviewing stand, led by a command vehicle carrying Major General Le Van Sao, deputy commander of the Mobile Police Command.

Marching contingents include officers from the People's Security and People's Police forces, ceremonial guard, traffic police, cybercrime units, fire and rescue services, and UN peacekeeping police.

Specialized units such as female special forces, reserve mobile police, and police academy cadets also take part.

Female military medical officers march in formation. 

At 7:35 am, militia and self-defense units march past the reviewing stand. 

Male militia contingents, representing civilian defense forces, are followed by female militias from ethnic minority groups and southern guerrilla units. 

At 7:28 am, military units including logistics, technical, defense industry officers, female medical officers, cadets, electronic warfare soldiers, and special parachute forces march past the reviewing stand.

The cyber warfare unit, tasked with defending critical information systems, and female peacekeepers representing Vietnam's UN blue helmets also participates.

The armored corps, with a 66-year tradition of battlefield success, is followed by artillery and missile troops.

Special forces and female commandos known for covert operations march next.

Combat engineers, crucial in wartime clearing and peacetime disaster response, and female signal troops maintaining communications also take part.

Chemical defense troops, known for their proactive and effective protection, march alongside.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army honor guard, responsible for official ceremonies since 1952, participate, highlighting decades of military solidarity with Vietnam.

Russia's national flag unit, escorted by honor guards from the army, aerospace, and navy forces, march.

The Lao People's Army and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces follow, symbolizing long-standing military cooperation with Vietnam in their journey for independence.

At 7:18 am, officers from the Army, Navy, Air Defense-Air Force, Border Guard, and Coast Guard march past the reviewing stand at Ba Dinh Square alongside a female military band.

At the same time, Yak-130 and L-39NG trainer jets fly over Ba Dinh Square, followed by Su-30MK2 fighter jets, showcasing Vietnam's modern air capabilities. 

At 7:14 am, the military flag, led by Lieutenant General Nguyen Hong Thai, Deputy Minister of National Defense, heads columns representing the heroic Vietnam People's Army and militia forces as they pass the reviewing stand.

At 7:10 am, parade formations, led by a national emblem vehicle representing Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups, march past the reviewing stand.

They are followed by flags of the Vietnamese Communist Party and the nation, and a vehicle carrying a portrait of Vietnam's late President Ho Chi Minh.

At 7:06 am, the National Day parade and procession officially begins with Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Nghia, deputy chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, ordering the troops to attention.

The event opens with flyovers by Vietnam's Air Force, featuring formations of Mi-171, Mi-17, and Mi-8 helicopters carrying the Vietnamese Communist Party and national flags over Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi.

At the same time, officials and the public watch a live broadcast of a naval parade at Cam Ranh military base in Khanh Hoa Province.

The naval display includes a command ship, patrol aircraft, anti-submarine helicopters, submarines, missile frigates, patrol boats, coast guard vessels, border guards, and militia units, demonstrating Vietnam's maritime defense capabilities.

At 6:45 am, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh opens the official program of the military parade and national celebration at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi.

The event is attended by Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam, State President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, and other senior and former leaders of the Vietnamese Communist Party and state.

Foreign dignitaries include Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, and Zhao Leji, Chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee.

At 6:57 am, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh invites General Secretary Lam to deliver the keynote address.

At 6:44 am, a flag-raising ceremony begins at Hanoi's Ba Dinh Square.

A 21-gun salute from 15 105mm howitzers accompanies at My Dinh Stadium.

Simultaneous flag ceremonies are also held aboard naval vessels at sea.

At 6:40 am, a ceremonial torch symbolizing Vietnam's enduring strength and national spirit is carried from the Ho Chi Minh Museum to Ba Dinh Square to mark the start of the 80th National Day celebrations.

Eighty athletes, led by Captain Bui Phuoc Tung, take part in the torch relay, representing 80 years of independence.

The flame is handed to Lieutenant General Nguyen Duc Soat, a former deputy chief of the General Staff and decorated war pilot, who lights the ceremonial cauldron.

At 6:38 am, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh declares the official start of the ceremony and military parade marking the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's August Revolution and National Day.

He then invites Party and state leaders, along with other delegates, to witness the traditional torch relay.

At 6:30, parade units start moving into ready position at Ba Dinh Square ahead of the official ceremony.  

A drum performance featuring 2,000 artists opens Vietnam's National Day parade at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi.

Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam and his spouse arrive at the grandstand to attend the event.