Vietnam Air Defence: 70 Years of Excellence in Protecting the Homeland
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Building on its proud tradition and victories over the past seven decades, the Air Defence – Air Force (ADAF) has continued to strengthen combat readiness, remaining ever-ready to protect the homeland from aerial threats.
During the early years of resistance against French colonialism, shortly after the establishment of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA), the Party and the State aimed to build a regular military with all essential forces, including the Navy, Army, and Air Defence – Air Force. Following this direction, on March 3, 1955, the Ministry of National Defence decided to establish the Airport Research Department, marking the formation of Vietnam’s air force.
In early 1959, the Air Force Department was established, and air force regiments were gradually formed. Despite numerous challenges, with strong support from the Party Central Committee, the Central Military Commission, and the Ministry of National Defence, the air force developed rapidly.
On April 3, 1965, the MiG-17 Squadron took off, shooting down two US Navy F-8U aircraft over the skies of Hàm Rồng in Thanh Hoá province. This victory in “opening the sky front” inspired people and soldiers nationwide, strengthening the determination to defeat the US invaders.
Between 1964 and 1972, during two waves of US destruction campaigns over the northern region, the force achieved remarkable victories, shooting down numerous advanced aircraft and capturing veteran American pilots with thousands of flight hours.
In particular, during the December 1972 Air Defence Campaign, the ADAF worked closely with other forces, downing seven enemy planes, including two B-52 bombers, and capturing five enemy pilots. This contributed to the “Hà Nội – Điện Biên Phủ in the Air” victory, forcing the US to sign the Paris Peace Accords on January 27, 1973, restoring peace in Vietnam.
During the historic Hồ Chí Minh Campaign, after just six days of intense training, on April 28, 1975, the Quyết Thắng (Determined to Win) Squadron used an A-37 aircraft captured from the enemy to launch a surprise attack on Tân Sơn Nhất Airport in Saigon City, accelerating the strategic plan on various battlefields. After national reunification, the ADAF played a key role in safeguarding the southwestern and northern borders, assisting Cambodia in escaping the genocidal regime, and fulfilling international missions.
For these extraordinary achievements, the Party, State, and VPA have awarded the force numerous prestigious honors. The ADAF, along with 39 units and 79 individuals, received the title of “Hero of the People’s Armed Forces” and “Labour Hero” in recognition of their sacrifices and efforts.
Honour and Responsibilities
As the country enters a new development phase, new tasks and challenges have emerged for the ADAF. Building on its heroic tradition, the force has continued to contribute to the nation, mastering the skies and maintaining peace and stability for national development.
The ADAF has actively mastered new weapons and technical equipment, ensuring combat readiness so that the homeland is never caught off guard by aerial threats. The force has conducted successful exercises, safeguarding national sovereignty and enhancing control over the national airspace, seas, and islands, while also carrying out rescue operations, patrols, and special flights for Party and State leaders.
Alongside improving operational efficiency and combat capacity, the force is continuing to streamline its organisation for maximum efficiency and strength.
Lieutenant General Nguyễn Văn Hiến, Commander of the ADAF, stated that after more than 70 years of construction and development, the once fledgling force has transformed into a modern, capable unit, fulfilling every task entrusted by the Party, State, military, and people. With great pride in its glorious achievements, the force remains more committed than ever to defending the country and upholding its responsibility for national security and defence.
Hiến also highlighted the force’s efforts to implement the Party’s strategy for national protection in the new era and to identify risks for timely response.
