Vietnam trains Yak-130 formation ahead of 80th National Day flyover

The drill was carried out by Regiment 940 under the Air Force Officer School, part of the Air Defense–Air Force Command, in the old Binh Dinh Province, now part of Gia Lai Province following a recent administrative merger.

Major General Ngo Vinh Phuc, head of the officer school, observed the flight.

Colonel Nguyen Van Son, commander of Regiment 940, said the unit had previously trained with five-aircraft formations but switched to six after receiving updated orders.

The regiment held planning sessions to adjust procedures, select additional qualified pilots, and revise training materials.

The unit began flight practice after the plan was approved, focusing on both ground and in-air coordination.

Officials said the regiment has experience in large formation flying, having performed during the 50th Reunification Day anniversary in Ho Chi Minh City on April 30.

However, the current training faces challenges due to low-altitude formations, close spacing, and unstable weather conditions during the windy season.

Despite the difficulties, the regiment completed the preparation to relocate their training to a partner unit in northern Vietnam, where it will continue readiness drills.

The Air Force plans to deploy nine aircraft groups with a total of 30 aircraft for the 80th National Day celebration, including helicopters, C295, C212i, Yak-130, L-39NG, and Su-30MK2 aircraft.

The flyover will operate from three airfields: Hoa Lac and Gia Lam in Hanoi, and Kep in Bac Ninh Province, officials said.