Aircraft violating Vietnam’s airspace to be intercepted, forced to land

Decree No. 222, recently issued by the government, on flight operations stipulates detailed procedures, jurisdiction, and enforcement measures for addressing airspace violations.

All actions must prioritize the highest level of safety for people, aircraft, and infrastructure on the ground.

Military aircraft to intercept airspace violators

As per the decree, aircraft found violating Vietnamese airspace shall be subject to interception by aircraft operated by the Vietnam People's Army.

Military aircraft will approach the violating aircraft from a suitable position and transmit recognized signals and visual cues intended to halt the violation.

Escort operations may also be employed in cases involving breaches of flight permits.

In such situations, military aircraft will fly alongside the offending aircraft, guiding and directing it until the violation ceases.

Pilots of aircraft intercepted within Vietnamese territory are required to comply with all regulations governing interception, escort, and forced-landing procedures.

Officers must prioritize the use of radio communications, signals, notifications, and guidance to compel the aircraft to stop the violation, alter its course, or land at a designated airport.

How military planes approach violating aircraft

The decree provides detailed guidance on how military aircraft are to approach aircraft during interception, escort, or forced-landing missions.

In most cases, military aircraft are required to approach violating aircraft from the rear left side.

In exceptional circumstances involving weather conditions, terrain, or operational requirements, an approach from the right side may be permitted.

After establishing a safe speed and distance, military aircraft will issue standardized signals and markings to ensure that the violating aircraft's pilot clearly understands the instructions.

When the aircraft acknowledges the instructions and ends the violation, military aircraft will leave the area.

Circumstances require forced landings

The decree also outlines specific situations in which military aircraft may compel an aircraft to land at a designated airport.

These include cases where an aircraft operating in Vietnamese airspace has been subjected to unlawful interference, as well as situations in which an aircraft violating Vietnamese airspace has already been intercepted or escorted but refuses to comply with instructions issued by military aircraft.

Aircraft that ignore commands from interception or escort forces may be ordered to land.

As with interception procedures, military aircraft conducting forced-landing operations will generally approach from the rear left side, or from the right side in special circumstances, before issuing signals instructing the aircraft to land.

Airports designated for an aircraft that is compelled to land must have technical facilities suitable for the type of aircraft involved, favorable terrain for approach and landing, and ensure that the aircraft has sufficient fuel to reach the airports.

Following the landing, forces under the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Public Security, aviation authorities, and other relevant bodies will coordinate to receive and secure the aircraft, crew, passengers, cargo, and baggage.