Helicopters rehearse flag display in Ho Chi Minh City ahead of Vietnam’s Reunification Day
Ho Chi Minh City residents on Friday morning witnessed a striking display of national pride as helicopters flew overhead, trailing Vietnam's Party and national flags, while artillery crews rehearsed a ceremonial cannon fire by the Saigon River.
The helicopter squadron took off from Bien Hoa Airbase in neighboring Dong Nai Province at 8:15 am, with fighter jets following the helicopters into the city airspace just minutes later.
This marked the third rehearsal involving helicopters, but the first to feature a flag display in the southern metropolis.
Technicians previously conducted thorough pre-flight checks to ensure safety.
A helicopter carrying the Party flag flies to Ho Chi Minh City, April 18, 2025. Photo: A Loc / Tuoi Tre
Meanwhile, hundreds gathered early at Bach Dang Wharf in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, where an artillery team practiced firing 105mm ceremonial cannons.
Many spectators dressed up in ao dai (Vietnamese traditional long gown) and waved flags, creating a festive yet solemn atmosphere.
Vietnamese soldiers carry out the loading and replacement of 105mm ceremonial artillery shells. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre
By 9:00 am, the helicopter formation carrying the Party and national flags arrived over Ho Chi Minh City.
In the sky, the helicopters trailed bright red flags across iconic landmarks, including the Reunification Palace and Bach Dang Wharf.
Rain from the night of April 17 to early morning April 18 made the sky over Ho Chi Minh City hazy and less ideal for public viewing. Photo: Huu Hanh / Tuoi Tre
Helicopters soar over the Ho Chi Minh City sky on the morning of April 18, 2025. Photo: Tu Trung / Tuoi Tre
A few minutes later, Su-30MK2 fighter jets and Yak-130 multi-role training aircraft followed in formation, their roaring engines drawing crowds to the streets and riverbanks.
"It was overwhelming," said Thu Trang, a local resident.
"Seeing the flag flying across the sky brought a wave of pride and emotion. I was born in peacetime, but through books and movies, I’ve acknowledged how our forefathers fought for this day. I’m deeply grateful."
Su-30MK2 fighter jets fly in a formation over the Ho Chi Minh City sky. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre
Van Minh from Binh Tan District, who was there with his young child, shared, "My son loves tanks and artillery, so I brought him here to witness this. Hearing the cannons fire in real life is incredibly powerful! I want him to understand our history and feel proud of his country."
The roaring sound of the fighter jets thrills onlookers below. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre
Aerial displays, a cannon salute, a grand parade, along with a series of other activities will be featured during the 50th anniversary of the liberation of southern Vietnam and Reunification Day (April 30).
The official parade will begin at 6:30 am on April 30, featuring contingents from the armed forces and police, coordinated by the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security.
The subsequent civilian procession will be organized by Ho Chi Minh City.
Soldiers continue rehearsing ceremonial artillery salutes in preparation for Vietnam’s 50th Reunification Day. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre
Soldiers practice artillery shell replacement drills. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre
Many locals gather at Bach Dang Wharf Park in downtown Ho Chi Minh City to watch and take photos with 105mm ceremonial cannons. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre
Captain Hoang Cong Khue poses for a photo with a boy after the rehearsal. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre
Yak-130 light combat aircraft fly in a three-plane formation during the rehearsal. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre
Su-30MK2 jet fighters fly past a Vietcombank building. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre
A helicopter trailing Vietnam’s Party flag flies past Landmark81, the tallest building in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: A Loc / Tuoi Tre
Three Su-30MK2 jets accelerate, leaving smoke trails behind. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre
Su-30MK2 jets soar into the sky. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre
Su-30MK2 jets fly in an arrowhead formation. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre
The April 18 rehearsal featured three Yak-130 light combat aircraft. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre
A final formation of four Su-30MK2 jets concludes the rehearsal. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre
Fighter jets and helicopters join the April 18 rehearsal. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre
A close-up of a Su-30MK2 fighter jet in flight. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre
Two Su-30MK2 jets in training. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre
Helicopters fly over the Ho Chi Minh City sky. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre
A helicopter crew prepares for takeoff at Bien Hoa Airbase in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam, April 18, 2025. Photo: A Loc / Tuoi Tre
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