Reporter (PV):

Colonel Thai Huy Quang: The protection of Hanoi's airspace was set forth early by the Party and President Ho Chi Minh. After the end of the resistance war against French colonialism, President Ho Chi Minh emphasized: "Hanoi without anti-aircraft artillery is like a house without a roof". Based on air defense units, on May 19, 1965, the Hanoi Air Defense Division (Division 361) was established to protect the "roof" of the capital. Being established on Uncle Ho's birthday and being visited by him 8 times was a special honor for the officers and soldiers of the Division.

Colonel Thai Huy Quang.

On July 19, 1965, when visiting Company 1, Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment 234 (Tam Dao Group), President Ho Chi Minh emphasized: “Even if the US imperialists have a lot of guns and money. Even if they have B-57s, B-52s or whatever, we will fight. With that many planes and that many American troops, or even more, we will fight, and if we fight, we will definitely win...”. More than a month later, comrade Le Duan, First Secretary of the Party Central Committee, advised the officers and soldiers of the Division: “It is necessary to clearly recognize that the capital Hanoi is the heart and brain of the whole country. Your mission is very heavy and very important. You must ensure that when the enemy comes, you will hit and win.” The concern of beloved Uncle Ho and the Party Central Committee further urged the officers and soldiers of the Division to maintain their iron faith and determination to fight to protect the capital.

From 1966 to 1972, the capital Hanoi was the focus of US air strikes. The division and other forces defeated the enemy's air raids one after another. In particular, at the end of 1972, the 361st Division was the main force, together with the army and people of the North, defeating the strategic air raid by B-52 of the US imperialists on Hanoi, Hai Phong and some localities in the North, creating the famous "Hanoi - Dien Bien Phu in the air" victory.

PV:

Colonel Thai Huy Quang: During the resistance war against the US to save the country, the units of Division 361 not only had the task of protecting the sky of Hanoi but also participated in combat in 20 provinces and cities, successfully completing their missions, leaving behind many valuable lessons. First of all, it is a lesson about building a spirit of revolutionary vigilance, always being ready to fight (SSCD), having the will to overcome all difficulties and hardships, fighting intelligently, bravely, daring to fight, knowing how to fight and determined to defeat all invading enemies. It is a lesson about strictly following the leadership of the Party, the orders of commanders at all levels; proactively studying, grasping the enemy's plots and tricks to have effective countermeasures.

It is also a lesson in creatively applying the art of air defense combat, building realistic combat plans; organizing tight training, mastering weapons and technical equipment (VKTB), improving the qualifications of missile, radar, and anti-aircraft artillery combat crews... A lesson in centralized, unified, flexible command, close combat coordination, maximizing the capabilities and strengths of each unit; coordinating with friendly and local units to create a multi-layered, multi-level air defense formation, fighting the enemy from far to near, in all directions...

Training S300-PMU1 missile combat crew at Regiment 64, Division 361. Photo: CONG HUNG

PV:

Colonel Thai Huy Quang: Currently, the Division's central political task is still training, combat readiness, managing and closely protecting the airspace of Hanoi Capital, Hoa Binh Hydroelectric Plant and other important targets. To protect the "roof" of Hanoi early and from afar, Division 361 is on duty in 12 northern provinces and cities, including many units in border areas; the managed airspace is very large, requiring 24/7 surveillance. On the other hand, in recent years, the Division has been focused on building towards modernity, equipped with many types of new and modern weapons and equipment; the requirement for training in mastering equipment, applying and developing fighting methods suitable to actual combat in the face of the strong development of air vehicles, especially unmanned aerial vehicles, has placed increasingly high demands on the Division...

PV:

Colonel Thai Huy Quang: Every day, the Division manages thousands of flights through the assigned airspace. Strictly managing, not allowing any mistakes, omissions, delays, or false reports of flight activities is a very difficult task. To complete the task, the Division thoroughly grasps and implements the "4 Knows" in airspace management; directs units to strictly maintain the 24/24-hour combat readiness regime at command posts; strictly maintains regulations on training to handle situations; organizes coordination with air defense forces of units, promptly notifies, warns, and handles situations in the air well, not being passive or surprised.

The Division actively innovates training content and methods; effectively implements the basic, practical, solid, safe and economical motto in training; attaches importance to synchronous, in-depth training, close to combat reality, close to the requirements and tasks of each subject, suitable to the organization, equipment and combat art. Regularly research, grasp and accurately forecast the situation, combat subjects and combat requirements and tasks to adjust, supplement and complete documents, combat plans and training. Promote the application of information technology and simulation technology in training and exercises; train to master new and improved technical equipment and weapons...

PV:

During the resistance war against the US to save the country, Division 361 participated in more than 1,800 battles, destroying 591 enemy aircraft of all types (including 35 B-52s). With many outstanding achievements, the Division, along with 18 groups and 22 individuals, were awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces; and were awarded 35 medals of various types. On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of its tradition, the Division was awarded the First Class Fatherland Protection Medal by the President.

PAINTING (performed)

*Please visit the section to see related news and articles.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/xung-dang-la-don-vi-duoc-giao-bao-ve-vung-troi-ha-noi-828529