Radar troops stand watch over Vietnam’s skies

Troops at Radar Station 18, from Regiment 290 of the Air Defense Division 375 under the Air Defense-Air Force Service, are awakened early in the morning by the sharp clang of a wake-up bell.

While many soldiers start a new day, the screens in the monitoring rooms remain aglow as night-shift personnel track countless small dots moving across radar displays.

Located in a rural area of Lan Phong Commune, Radar Station 18 plays a critical role in monitoring and managing airspace across the Central and Central Highlands regions.

Its mission is ensuring the safety and peace of the country’s skies.

The troops remain constantly alert, regardless of weather conditions or time of day.

The station was established in 1958, with its predecessor being Company 18 under Regiment 260, stationed in Tho Xuan, Thanh Hoa Province, north-central Vietnam.

Over the years, the unit has undergone several reorganizations.

In 1988, Regiment 290 absorbed Company 18 from Radar Battalion 300 and merged it with Radar Station 57, forming Radar Station 18, situated in Chu Lai in the former Quang Nam Province, and expanding its operational scope across the Central and Central Highlands regions.

The former Quang Nam Province was merged into Da Nang City to form the new city in July last year.

In 1993, the station was relocated to Quang Ngai Province.

From this position, it continues to serve as a key node in Vietnam’s air defense network.

On Tuesday, a delegation from the Air Defense-Air Force Service, led by Colonel Ta Minh Hung, deputy chief of staff, conducted an inspection of the first month of combat training at Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment 224 under the Air Defense Division 375.

According to a report presented to the delegation, Regiment 224 has successfully implemented its initial training program.

Soldiers have been equipped with foundational knowledge in military regulations, infantry combat techniques, physical conditioning, and political education, while also reinforcing standardized routines and discipline.

All training activities have proceeded according to plan, meeting established requirements.