Fighter jets and military helicopters returned to the skies over Ho Chi Minh City on Friday morning, giving residents a second opportunity to witness dramatic aerial displays as Vietnam is preparing to mark the 50th anniversary of national reunification.

The rehearsal flights stretched from Bach Dang Wharf in District 1 to Landmark 81, the city’s tallest building, and featured military aircraft executing formation maneuvers. 

The training flights are part of ongoing preparations for a large military parade scheduled for April 30 to celebrate Vietnam's national reunification.

Before sunrise, pilots and flight crews assembled at Bien Hoa Airbase in neighboring Dong Nai Province. 

The Su-30MK2 fighter jets, with their distinctive camouflage paint, were carefully inspected before departure. 

Helicopter rotors roared to life as crews ran through final checks in the early morning light.

As the sun rose, groups of helicopters and jets powered up their engines and lifted off. 

The roar from the runway echoed across the area as the aircraft headed toward Ho Chi Minh City.

From the early morning, hundreds of people gathered along the Saigon River, from Bach Dang Wharf to the Landmark 81 building area to await the spectacular moments of fighter jets and helicopters performing training in the sky.

When the fighter jets appeared from a distance, soared into the sky, and performed aerobatic maneuvers, the entire area erupted in excitement.

Nguyen Gia Huy shared that this was the first time he had witnessed such a breathtaking sight of fighter jets performing aerobatics right in the sky above Ho Chi Minh City.

While the fighter jets showcased their dynamic movements, a line of military helicopters flew in formation beneath them, extending from Binh Thanh District to District 1.

A day earlier, a similar rehearsal began at 9:15 am, with helicopters flying in tight formation above the Reunification Palace in District 1. 

They were followed by Yak-130 light combat aircraft and Su-30MK2 fighter jets, whose engines could be heard across the city.

The aerial rehearsals are part of the lead-up to Vietnam’s Reunification Day, seen as a major national milestone, symbolizing unity and resilience.

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