Helicopters, fighter jets rehearse over Ho Chi Minh City ahead of 50th Reunification Day

This marks the second time that helicopters have trailed Vietnam's Party and national flags through the city. 

Prior aerial training sessions had already taken place, with the most recent flag-towing formation rehearsed on April 18 morning.

Following the helicopter squadron were Yak-130 light combat aircraft and Su-30MK2 fighter jets. 

In addition to flying in formation, these aircraft performed acrobatic maneuvers and cloud-piercing stunts.

During the final rehearsal on April 27 and the official ceremony on April 30, they will also showcase an impressive heat trap display.

The images of helicopters and fighter jets soaring above the Ho Chi Minh City sky, trailing the Party and national flags, and ceremonial cannons arranged below at Bach Dang Wharf in downtown have intensified the heroic atmosphere of the nation's historic April days.

In recent days, large crowds of residents have flocked to central Ho Chi Minh City to capture striking and emotional moments during this hiítoric month. 

The city center is adorned with flags, flowers, and military forces, while the spirit of the national reunification permeates every street and alley.

The official national-level military parade commemorating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of southern Vietnam and Reunification Day is scheduled to begin at 6:30 am on April 30.

The parade will feature 38 formations from armed forces, organized by the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security. 

This will be followed by a civic parade involving 12 formations from Ho Chi Minh City.

Additionally, there will be ceremonial cannon firing synchronized with Vietnam’s national anthem at Bach Dang Wharf, and displays of helicopters carrying national and Party flags, Yak-130 light combat aircraft and Su-30MK2 fighter jets.