Located at an altitude of 621m above sea level, Son Tra Radar Station holds a particularly important position in the air defense-air force strategy to protect the Fatherland from early on and from afar - Photo: VGP/Nhat Anh
Guarding the skies from early morning, from afar.
The mountainous coastal terrain facilitates extended target detection ranges, but also presents numerous challenges. Strong winds, dense fog, prolonged storms, high humidity, and salt spray from the sea cause equipment to wear out quickly and signals to be easily interfered with.
Lieutenant Huynh Tuan Kiet shared: "Our unit is stationed in an area with very harsh weather conditions, especially the thick frost due to its proximity to the sea. The dry season is hot and sunny with a water shortage, while the winter brings prolonged rain and cold, with frost covering the area all day long. Because the temperature on the mountaintop is low, the soldiers have to wear warm clothes and use thick blankets year-round to maintain their health."
Amidst the dense fog, the control room of the Son Tra radar station remains brightly lit. The duty shifts maintain a strict 24/7 combat readiness duty schedule. Captain Phan Tien Vi, Station Chief of the Son Tra Radar Station, stated that each shift strictly adheres to the following procedures: Receiving assignments, checking personnel and equipment, thoroughly understanding the airspace situation; continuously monitoring the radar screen during the shift, analyzing interference, determining target parameters, and reporting promptly and accurately to the command center; and during handover, meticulously documenting and handing over information in its original state to ensure there are no "information gaps."
"This is a task that demands absolute precision, strict discipline, and a high sense of responsibility," Captain Phan Tien Vi emphasized.
Along with training duties, the unit also engages in agricultural production to improve the living conditions of the soldiers - Photo: VGP/Nhat Anh
Fight for real, even in peacetime.
On the radar screen, bright dots move constantly. These could be civilian aircraft flying on a planned route, military training aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, or natural interference. But even the slightest abnormality—such as flying off course, at the wrong altitude, a sudden change of direction, loss of coordination signals, or the appearance of an unfamiliar target from the sea in the dark—immediately raises the alert level for the duty crew. Every action must be precise to the second, because even a split-second lapse in vigilance could lead to airspace breaches, especially given the presence of many modern aircraft with supersonic speeds.
Lieutenant Nguyen Tien Dat, Deputy Station Chief of Son Tra Radar Station, said: "The unit is always in a state of 'real combat' even in peacetime. Due to the characteristics of the targets—aircraft with very high speeds, civilian aircraft around 900-1,000 km/h, and fighter jets/strikers much faster—radar troops are required to react extremely quickly and accurately."
Compared to other stations, the intensity of combat operations here is very high. A typical day is divided into 6 to 8 shifts, each lasting about 2 hours and 30 minutes. The station's area of responsibility has a high density of aircraft activity, including aircraft from many different countries in the South China Sea region. The monitoring process must be continuous, with absolutely no room for negligence, not even for a second, to ensure no target is missed."
Captain Phan Tien Vi shared that the Son Tra radar station is equipped with the most modern equipment in the region. While technology is increasingly advanced and equipment is cutting-edge, human factors remain crucial. Machines provide signals, but the analysis, assessment, and decision-making depend on the skill, experience, and courage of the combat team.
"The requirements for radar soldiers are not only solid professional and technical skills, but also unwavering political conviction, a high sense of responsibility, meticulousness, perseverance, and accuracy. Experience has proven that it is this conviction and sense of responsibility that are the decisive factors in helping us fulfill our nhiệm vụ of managing and protecting the airspace," said the head of Radar Station 29.
Captain Phan Tien Vi affirmed: "The requirements for radar soldiers are not only solid professional and technical skills, but also unwavering political conviction, a high sense of responsibility, meticulousness, perseverance, and accuracy."
Cultivate willpower to remain steadfast.
Lieutenant Huynh Tuan Kiet shared that the coastal climate, with its high humidity and salty air, causes equipment to rust quickly, and circuit boards to easily become damp and oxidize. To ensure that equipment is always in the highest state of combat readiness, officers and soldiers must carry out maintenance and preservation work that is much more rigorous, meticulous, and arduous than in units in the plains.
Not only do they face the pressure of their duties, but they also have to adapt to challenging living conditions. Although the barracks are well-equipped and modern, leaks in the roofs and damp floors are unavoidable in the face of strong winds and harsh storms. "Despite the difficulties, the assigned mission must be completed, no matter the circumstances," Lieutenant Kiet affirmed.
Captain Nguyen Vu Truong, Political Officer of the Son Tra Radar Station, said that overcoming harsh weather conditions, an isolated environment, and longing for family, each officer and soldier must constantly strengthen their will to steadfastly complete their nhiệm vụ. Each young soldier diligently studies and trains to master all operations and become proficient in specialized technical equipment under urgent, high-pressure, and strictly controlled procedures that allow no room for error. These challenges have forged their character, helping the soldiers mature quickly and become steadfast in their mission of managing and protecting the nation's airspace.
Son Tra Radar Station organizes the program "Springtime Watching the Sky, Tet Filled with Love" 2026 - Photo: VGP/Nhat Anh
"At the summit of Son Tra Mountain, despite the harsh weather, the magnificent natural scenery is a welcome welcome, especially at sunrise and sunset. The close attention of leaders and commanders at all levels, along with the thoughtful provision of material and spiritual well-being, has further motivated us to work with peace of mind," a young soldier confided.
As Tet (Lunar New Year) approaches, atop Son Tra Mountain, many officers and soldiers of Radar Station 29 set aside their personal lives and continue their readiness for combat. For them, Tet is not only a time for family reunions but also a crucial period for protecting the skies, ensuring every flight is safe and every home under the nation's sky enjoys complete joy. Amidst the swirling clouds and winds, these "all-seeing eyes" silently watch over the homeland's skies 24/7. Behind those white spheres are resilient soldiers, silently maintaining peace in the nation's airspace day and night.
Nhat Anh
Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/mat-than-khong-ngu-tren-dinh-son-tra-102260213101708829.htm
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