Entrusted with the task of combining economic and defense functions, for the past 40 years (March 11, 1985 / March 11, 2025), the Southern Helicopter Company (18th Army Corps) has consistently fulfilled its assigned tasks, affirming its position and reputation as a domestic and international helicopter service provider.

From a unit with modest human resources and equipment, mainly seconded from units of the Air Defense - Air Force Command, the Southern Helicopter Company has now built a team of pilots, engineers, technical staff, and management personnel in various specialties who are highly proficient in their professional skills and foreign languages, meeting the requirements and tasks of international integration; it also possesses a modern fleet of aircraft including many types, such as: AW-189, EC-225, Super Puma-L2, EC-155B1, Mi-172, Mi-171V…

To date, the company has provided helicopter services to more than 20 domestic and international oil companies, with over 336,000 safe flight hours; the company's revenue, profits, capital, and assets have increased hundreds of times. Along with successfully fulfilling its production and business tasks, the company has also excelled in military and defense missions, such as: closely integrating commercial flights with observation flights to affirm the sovereignty of the nation's seas and islands; strictly maintaining combat readiness, A2 duty, search and rescue; consistently ensuring the readiness of personnel, aircraft, and technical equipment to receive and successfully complete assigned unexpected military tasks…

On the occasion of the Southern Helicopter Company's 40th anniversary and the awarding of the First-Class Independence Order, the People's Army Newspaper presents to readers some images reflecting the company's activities:

The Southern Helicopter Company's aircraft formation.

The company always prioritizes flight training, which serves as the foundation for successfully carrying out assigned tasks. In the photo: The flight crew training in crane operation.
Training in maritime rescue flights.
Mi helicopter crew training in firefighting.
The company provided firefighting flight services to Indonesia, which were highly appreciated by the Indonesian side.
An emergency medical flight transported a patient from Truong Sa island district (Khanh Hoa province) to Military Hospital 175 for treatment.
The company consistently integrates commercial flights with observation flights, affirming the sovereignty of the nation's seas and islands. In the photo: A flight by the company over the Truong Sa archipelago (Khanh Hoa).
Flights used for oil and gas exploration and production.
A commercial flight operated by the company.
Thanks to its emphasis on technical work, the company has now completely mastered the technology, ensuring a good quantity and quality of aircraft for its missions.

HOANG XUAN and collaborators (compiled)