Vietnamese Air Force Intensifies Yak-130 Training for Grand Aerial Show Marking 80th National Day

Bắc Ninh, The Gulf Observer: The skies above Kép Airfield in Lạng Giang Commune, Bắc Ninh Province, are alive with the daily roar of Yak-130 jets as the Vietnam People’s Air Force conducts an intensive aerial training campaign ahead of a landmark national celebration. The upcoming air performance, scheduled for September 2, will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day.

Since July 24, eight Yak-130 aircraft from Regiment 940 of the Air Force Officer Training School have been redeployed from Phù Cát Airbase in Gia Lai Province to Kép Airfield. Of these, six jets are slated to take part in the official flypast over Hà Nội, while two remain on standby to ensure uninterrupted execution.

This period marks a peak operational tempo for the Vietnamese Air Defence – Air Force, involving high-intensity rehearsals using advanced combat aircraft such as the Yak-130, SU-30MK2, and L-39NG. These platforms are being deployed for formation flights, flyovers, and synchronized parade coordination, promising an extraordinary aerial display over the capital’s restricted airspace.

Upon arrival, each Yak-130 undergoes comprehensive technical checks. Technical crews from Regiment 940, in cooperation with local airbase personnel, meticulously inspect engine performance, flight control systems, avionics, and navigation units before, during, and after every flight.

On the morning of July 30, the airfield was abuzz at dawn with the sound of Yak-130 engines revving for practice sorties. Officers, instructors, and service technicians conducted thorough inspections of flight gear and aircraft systems, ensuring strict compliance with safety and operational protocols.

“This mission is both a great honour and a demanding challenge for our logistics and technical teams,” stated Trần Văn Ban, Head of Technical Logistics at Regiment 940. “From relocation checks to technical training and hours-long safety protocols, every detail must be calculated to prevent errors.”

The regiment’s meticulous preparation has kept the Yak-130 fleet in peak condition. Prior to each sortie, ground crews conduct tasks such as bolt tightening, canopy cleaning, flight control calibration, and system testing. Even the smallest irregularities are immediately addressed, enabling pilots to fly with full confidence.

First Lieutenant Nguyễn Văn Tâm, an instructor with Squadron 1 of Regiment 940, highlighted the extreme precision required for formation flying. “The pressure is intense. We train our minds and bodies daily to ensure peak performance and total focus.”

Pre-flight procedures are extensive and include health assessments for pilots, inspection of safety equipment, and joint system checks by pilots and technicians. All systems, including navigation, controls, and emergency ejection mechanisms, must meet rigorous standards before takeoff.

Lieutenant Colonel Hà Đăng Lượng, Deputy Political Commissar of Regiment 940, called the upcoming mission the most complex and demanding the unit has faced to date. “Flying in tight formations through variable weather and airspace conditions over the capital requires absolute synchronization and adherence to protocol. There is zero margin for error.”

He also noted the regiment’s comprehensive support framework, which includes strategic rest cycles, nutritional programs, and psychological support for the aircrews.

“Our personnel are fully aware of the weight of this mission. Every flight represents not just skill, but the discipline and pride of the Vietnam People’s Air Force,” he added.

Colonel Nguyễn Văn Sơn, Commander of Regiment 940, confirmed that formation training involving six Yak-130s in a triangle configuration was successfully executed over Phù Cát Airbase in June. Since their redeployment to Kép, the aircraft have completed seven rehearsal runs, each flown flawlessly over a mock review stand.

Following every mission, immediate maintenance is conducted to keep aircraft in combat-ready condition.

The Yak-130 is a twin-seat, advanced trainer jet, co-developed by Russia’s Yakovlev Design Bureau and Italy’s Alenia Aermacchi. With a top speed of 1,060 kph, a ceiling of 12,500 meters, and nine weapon hardpoints supporting up to 3,000 kg of armament, the aircraft offers both training and light combat capabilities.

Since 2021, Regiment 940 has operated the Yak-130 platform, achieving full proficiency across pilot, instructor, and maintenance cadres. In 2022, the regiment demonstrated its operational readiness by conducting live-fire and bomb-dropping drills with the aircraft.

As the nation looks forward to its historic celebration, the precision and commitment displayed by Vietnam’s airmen at Kép Airfield underscore the professionalism and readiness of the country’s modern air force.