(Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)
In the last days of July, the skies of the North resounded with a series of powerful roars of Yak‑130 jet engines, opening a special training climax, leading up to one of the most important missions of the year: Demonstrating the power of the Vietnam People's Air Force at the 80th Anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2.
At Kep airport (Lang Giang district, Bac Ninh province), the training atmosphere of pilots, technicians and logistics soldiers took place with unprecedented urgency, meeting the highest requirements for safety, accuracy and performance art in the limited space of the sky of Hanoi capital.
Since July 24, Regiment 940, Air Force Officer School has mobilized eight Yak-130s from Phu Cat airport ( Gia Lai province) to Kep airport to prepare for training missions and participate in the performance in the 80th anniversary of the successful August Revolution.
Of these, six Yak-130s will perform official flights, two will serve as reserves. This is a culminating training session, bringing together three types of modern fighter aircraft of the Vietnam Air Defense - Air Force (SU-30MK2, Yak-130 and L-39NG) to practice formation flying, parade drills and military parades in the sky of Hanoi, promising to bring an impressive performance, blending skillful flying techniques and the bravery of air force soldiers.
On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2, the air force has many changes compared to the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification. The number of aircraft has been increased and the formations are larger.
After being transferred to the airport, each Yak-130 must undergo a comprehensive technical inspection process. The Regiment’s technical support teams closely coordinate with forces at Kep airport to conduct periodic inspections before, during and after each flight, ensuring that no risks occur. Safety is the top priority. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)
Immediately after landing and settling at Kep airport, each Yak-130 must undergo an extremely rigorous technical inspection process. From the engine system, flight control, radio radar to positioning equipment, every component is periodically inspected by the technical team of Regiment 940 in close coordination with the forces at the airport before, during and after each flight. Safety is always the top priority, not allowing any risks to occur.
On the morning of July 30, the Kep airport area was bustling from dawn with the powerful sound of Yak‑130 engines ready for demonstration flights.
From early morning, the airport area was bustling with the roaring sound of fighter jets ready for training. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)
Pilots, from officers, flight instructors to professional soldiers assigned to the A80 mission, all hurriedly checked their flight suits, personal protective equipment, and carefully examined every detail on the aircraft before takeoff. Flight suits, helmets, anti-glare glasses, and parachutes… all had to meet absolute standards. All operations took place in a solemn atmosphere, following strict procedures.
To ensure that the aircraft are ready to take off and perform their missions, from early morning, officers and technicians had to focus on inspection work, ensuring all safety conditions. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)
Mr. Tran Van Ban, Head of Technical Logistics of Regiment 940, said that the A80 mission is both an honor and a great challenge for the technical logistics of Regiment 940.
"We have to ensure that our vehicles, equipment and people are always ready for any situation. From checking the aircraft before moving to another airport, providing in-depth knowledge for the technical team, to the safety procedures hours before each flight, everything is carefully calculated to avoid mistakes." Thanks to this careful preparation, the Yak‑130 is always in the best condition when entering the flight demonstration.
Mr. Tran Van Ban, Chief of Technical Logistics of Regiment 940. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)
Before each training session, the team of technicians gathers at the parking area to perform equipment parameter checks and calibrations. They check every screw, clean the cockpit glass, adjust the steering system parameters, and test the control and signal systems.
Any unusual signs, no matter how small, are recorded and dealt with immediately. This meticulousness and methodical approach creates a solid foundation for pilots to confidently carry out their missions in the air.
Meanwhile, commanders and pilots quickly consulted, reassessing the flight plan, flight route, exercise scenario and weather conditions. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)
Lieutenant Colonel Ha Dang Luong - Deputy Political Commissar of Air Force Regiment 940, Air Force Officer School and Senior Lieutenant Nguyen Van Tam, assistant instructor of Squadron 1 of Air Force Regiment 940, ready for the training session. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)
Senior Lieutenant Nguyen Van Tam, assistant instructor of Squadron 1, Air Force Regiment 940, Air Force Officer School, said that the process of performing a parade requires absolute precision in formation, speed, altitude, distance between planes and close coordination, so the pressure is very high.
"However, we have been trained very thoroughly, always promoting a spirit of calmness, confidence, and solidarity. Before each flight, we always prepare ourselves mentally, practice, and comply with all rules and regulations to maintain the highest concentration and best health," Senior Lieutenant Nguyen Van Tam shared.
'For us, flight safety is not only an honor but also an order and a responsibility to the Fatherland and the people,' Senior Lieutenant Nguyen Van Tam shared. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)
Before taking a flight, the pilots will complete all the checks such as health, flight equipment, personal safety equipment. Along with that, the pilots will check the aircraft with the technical team, check the steering system, control system, signal system, and parachute system. All systems are guaranteed to meet absolute standards, then the pilots are allowed to take off.
For us, flight safety is not only an honor but also an order and responsibility to the Fatherland and the people.
Senior Lieutenant Nguyen Van Tam
Lieutenant Colonel Ha Dang Luong - Deputy Political Commissar of Air Force Regiment 940, Air Force Officer School could not hide his excitement: "This is a great honor for all officers and soldiers of Regiment 940, Air Force Officer School. Being able to participate in training and performing in a major event such as the 80th Anniversary of National Day September 2 is not only a particularly important political task but also an opportunity for us to demonstrate the mettle, level and fighting strength of the Vietnam People's Air Force in peacetime."
Lieutenant Colonel Ha Dang Luong - Deputy Political Commissar of Air Force Regiment 940, Air Force Officer School, checks the aircraft before the flight. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)
According to Lieutenant Colonel Ha Dang Luong, this is the largest and most complex mission that Regiment 940 has ever participated in. The training volume this time increased both in intensity and technical requirements.
"The special thing is that every step from human resources, technical equipment, to training methods must be organized synchronously and with absolute precision. We conduct large-scale formation flights very closely in weather conditions and airspace with many fluctuations. Each pilot and each technical team must strictly follow the process, not allowing any mistakes, even the smallest ones. This is not only a challenge, but also an opportunity for the entire 940th Regiment to demonstrate its mettle, level and spirit of readiness to carry out the next missions," said Lieutenant Colonel Ha Dang Luong.
"The regiment has proactively built a thoughtful and reasonable plan, from arranging rest time, improving nutrition, to ideological work and taking care of the mental health of pilots and other members.
'We believe that people are the decisive factor, so all the best conditions are prioritized so that soldiers can maintain the highest physical, mental and spiritual strength,' said Senior Colonel Ha Dang Luong. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)
Lieutenant Colonel Ha Dang Luong emphasized: "I can affirm that the determination of the officers and soldiers of the Regiment is at a very high level. We are all aware of the honor and great responsibility we are shouldering. For the country's important political event, each flight is a demonstration of the determination, discipline and pride of the Air Force soldiers."
For the country's important political event, each flight is a demonstration of the determination, discipline and pride of the Air Force soldiers. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)
Our message is clear: "The Vietnam People's Air Force is brave, modern, and ready to fight for the peaceful sky of the Fatherland. We want to show the image of a strong, elite, well-trained force, ready to fulfill all missions in all situations, and at the same time send our deep gratitude to the people who have always supported and trusted us." (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)
When all preparations were completed and the meteorological reconnaissance flight was safely completed, the training flight team of 6 aircraft in a diamond formation was deployed. The 12 pilots controlling the equipment moved to the waiting area, taking off in formation of 3 aircraft to 1. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)
Two groups of Yak-130s took off in formations of three planes each, leaving the runway to participate in training flights. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)
This is also the first flight team to deploy the A80 mission after 5 days of moving from Phu Cat airport to Kep airport. And after only 1 day, the flight team successfully organized a training flight to observe the terrain and airspace of Kep airport for officers and flight instructors of Regiment 940. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)
After maneuvering stably from an altitude of 600-1,000 meters, the pilots will control 6 Yak-130 aircraft to reduce altitude, join the formation, and form an isosceles triangle through the simulated grandstand area at low altitude, with stable distance, spacing, and height difference, strictly following the flight data. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)
Colonel Nguyen Van Son - Commander of Regiment 940 said that the unit has successfully organized a training flight of 6 aircraft in an isosceles triangle formation at Phu Cat airport since June 2025.
In 2023, officers and flight instructors of Air Force Regiment 940 had been mobilized to carry out training missions and participated in long-term exercises of mission DT23 in Kep airport area and the Northern region, so they are quite familiar with the terrain, security conditions and weather and meteorological factors.
During the first flight of 6 aircraft in formation in the sky above Kep airport area, Air Force Regiment 940 successfully performed 7 flights in a neat and even formation through the simulated grandstand area, ensuring absolute safety.
The engines of the six jets roared, tearing through the wind, rushing past the grandstand area at a low altitude of 200m. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)
The Yak-130 will perform formation maneuvers, control the plane in a 45 to 60 degree tilt, and perform sharp dives and combat dives. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)
The flight crew successfully landed, ending the training session. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)
Regiment 940 is a unit with a lot of experience in training and performing flight missions in large formations. Its pilots are experienced and brave, having just successfully performed the A50 mission recently. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)
Up to now, Regiment 940 has successfully organized dozens of five- and six-plane formation flights. The pilots' skills and abilities have been constantly improved, and the flight formations have become more and more even, beautiful, and stable. At the same time, the unit has also completed preparations for transfer to training schools at friendly units in the Northern region, ready to receive and excellently complete all assigned tasks during the great national festival. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)
After each flight, maintenance and technical inspection will be strictly carried out, ensuring the aircraft is always in the best condition for the next sortie.
The Yak‑130 is a two-seat multi-role trainer that has proven to be an important part of the Vietnam People's Air Force. With a length of 11.49 meters, a wingspan of 9.84 meters, two 2,500 horsepower engines, a maximum take-off weight of 10,290 kg, nine hardpoints that can carry 3,000 kg of weapons, a maximum speed of 1,060 km/h and a maximum range of 12,500 meters, the Yak‑130 is not only a trainer but can also operate as a light fighter, reconnaissance and medium-range attack aircraft.
Developed by the Yakovlev Research Institute (Russia) in conjunction with Alenia Aermacchi (Italy), the Yak‑130 is a comprehensive solution for multi-mission, compactness and low operating costs.
Since 2021, Regiment 940, Air Force Officer School has received and mastered this type of equipment. To date, 100% of officers, flight instructors, pilots and technical staff have mastered all features of the Yak‑130. In 2022, the unit successfully organized three rounds of firing and throwing weapons on the Yak‑130, affirming its training and equipment usage capabilities.
With continuous training flights, the Yak‑130 squadron is ready to coordinate with other aircraft squadrons to shine, portraying the image of an elite, modern air force ready to fight for peace in the Fatherland's skies.
The performance is expected to not only be a fusion of top-notch flying techniques and performing arts, but also an affirmation of the mettle, discipline and determination of the Vietnam Air Force on the important occasion of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day, September 2./.
(Vietnam+)
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/bien-doi-yak-130-san-sang-trinh-dien-suc-manh-khong-quan-tren-bau-troi-ha-noi-post1052822.vnp
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