Hanoi Holds State-Level Preliminary Review for 80th National Day Parade

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: A state-level preliminary review for the parade and march-past marking the 80th Anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (September 2), codenamed Task A80, was held on Wednesday night at Ba Đình Square in Hanoi.

The review served as the final preparation ahead of the full dress rehearsal scheduled for August 30 and the official celebrations on September 2.

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Head of the Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation Nguyễn Trọng Nghĩa, Minister of National Defence General Phan Văn Giang, and Minister of Public Security General Lương Tam Quang attended the event.

Before the review, Prime Minister Chính, along with Party and State leaders and the Central Steering Committee for the Commemoration of Major National Holidays and Important Historical Events (2023–2025), presented gifts and extended encouragement to the participating forces.

Beginning at 8 p.m. and continuing late into the night, the programme comprised official Party and State ceremonies, followed by the parade and march-past. Nearly 16,000 officers and soldiers took part, including 43 marching contingents from the People’s Army and the People’s Public Security, as well as foreign military units from Laos, Cambodia and Russia. In total, 18 standing formations and 14 contingents of military and special-purpose vehicles also participated.

The programme opened with a torch relay and the lighting of the ceremonial flame, symbolising the aspirations of the Vietnamese people. The flame was entrusted to Lieutenant General Nguyễn Đức Soát, Hero of the People’s Armed Forces and former Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, renowned for his heroic achievements during the resistance wars.

For the first time in four decades, since 1985, the National Day Parade will feature large-scale formations of military vehicles, artillery and modern equipment. Domestically produced systems such as missiles, UAVs and combat vehicles will be showcased, alongside upgraded and modernised tanks, armoured vehicles and rocket artillery.

The Army vehicle formations included tank and armoured units, self-propelled artillery, surface-to-surface missile units, air defence missile systems, and electronic warfare units. Public Security vehicles included mobile command and escort vehicles, armoured and riot-control units, fire-fighting and rescue vehicles, and multi-purpose tactical vehicles.

Following the ceremonial segment, the formations passed before the grandstand at the Hồ Chí Minh Mausoleum, showcasing discipline, unity, and the modernisation of Vietnam’s armed forces. Compared with previous rehearsals, mass organisations—including representatives of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups, veterans, workers, intellectuals, women, youth, overseas Vietnamese, and cultural and sports associations—displayed notable improvements in coordination.

The review also featured mass artistic performances. Thousands of students cheered from the stands, while over 1,000 cadets and officers of the People’s Public Security Academy staged a grand drum performance, combining 900 synchronised drums with flag displays and lion-and-dragon dances.

Prior to the state-level review, participants had undergone four combined rehearsals at National Military Training Centre No. 4 and two at Ba Đình Square. Despite heavy rain caused by Typhoon Kajiki, thousands of citizens gathered from August 26–27 to witness the review, with even larger crowds joining as weather conditions improved.

To ensure safety and smooth operations, the Army and Public Security coordinated with Hanoi authorities on security and traffic management. Large tents, seating, free parking, sanitation facilities, and waste collection services were arranged for the public. Volunteers, including youth and veterans’ groups, distributed free food, water, umbrellas and offered guidance to visitors, reflecting national gratitude and unity ahead of the historic celebration.