Fighter jets roar, performing stunts over Ho Chi Minh City

As the aircraft approached, a wave of excitement rippled through the crowd below. 

The rising sun did little to dampen the spirits of the spectators, who cheered with pride, their faces lit with emotion.

At Bach Dang Wharf in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, the first sign of the aerial spectacle came in the form of a distant hum.

From the direction of the Saigon Bridge, a fleet of helicopters appeared, carrying the national flag.

People packed along the wharf and Ton Duc Thang Street, craning their necks to get a better view as they cheered.

Following the choppers, Su-30MK2 fighter jets and Yak-130 light combat aircraft roared over the sky.

The pilots began their dramatic display, releasing flares from their aircraft.

Tiny bursts of red and white light flared up, blossoming into vivid streaks of color that traced the sky, creating stunning formations.

The crowd watched in awe as the flares drifted into thick trails of smoke.

Many seized the opportunity to capture the breathtaking moment on their cameras, waving the national flag and cheering on the aerial parade.

Nguyen Duy Khanh, a 21-year-old resident of Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City shared that it was his first time witnessing such a display.

"When I saw the helicopters and jets roaring above, it was like all the tiredness just vanished," he said.

"This is the most thrilling moment I've ever experienced."

Earlier that morning, at around 7:30 am, a fleet of helicopters and fighter jets had taken off from Bien Hoa Airbase in neighboring Dong Nai Province, heading straight to downtown Ho Chi Minh City for a flag drop and aerobatic performance.

A total of 10 helicopters, seven Su-30MK2 jet fighters, and six Yak-130 jets participated in the full-scale rehearsal.

The formation was split into three teams, arranged in a 3-4-3 pattern.

As the helicopters entered the airspace over District 1, they descended to just 150 meters above ground, while the jets performed impressive acrobatic stunts and released their flares.

Back at Bien Hoa Airbase, meticulous preparations had been underway. The helicopters were positioned for refueling and pre-flight checks.

At around 6:00 am, one jet flew into the city to assess the weather conditions before the rehearsal began.