Air Force units carry out flag towing missions

ĐBP – On April 27, the Air Defence - Air Force conducted its inaugural flag towing rehearsal session in Điện Biên. This was part of the ceremony commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory.

Technicians attach the flag beneath the helicopter's belly.

During the rehearsal, 11 helicopters completed two flag towing flights. Air Division 371 led this effort, working in conjunction with Air Divisions 370 and 372.

A 20m2 national flag was affixed beneath the Mi17 helicopter. Consequently, along with routine aircraft checks, technicians paid special attention to the flag-hanging mechanism. Crafted from polyester, a durable and breathable material, this special flag features reinforced stitching. These reinforcements ensure that the flags can flutter gracefully in winds of up to 120km/h without tearing.

This special flag withstands winds of up to 120km/h without tearing.

Unlike training or combat flights, flag towing missions demand pilots not only to possess the skills and experience to hang heavy objects hundreds of kilograms below the aircraft but also to coordinate seamlessly with other pilots in terms of altitude, distance, and flight speed to create a visually stunning formation.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyễn Văn Hoàng, Deputy Political Commissar of the 916th Air Regiment, Air Division 371, emphasised, "Executing flag towing missions under the conditions at Điện Biên Airport, surrounded by towering hills, demands meticulous planning and precision to maintain formation and ensure absolute safety."

By Lan Phương – Hà Linh
Comment

You have 500/500 characters left

Please enter 5 or more characters!!!

Recent news

  • 'Promoting credit growth to serve socio-economic development in 2026

    Promoting credit growth to serve socio-economic development in 2026

    ECONOMY -
    ĐBP - On July 31, Lê Thành Đô, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Điện Biên provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Council, alongside Lê Văn Lương, Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, co-chaired a working conference between the provincial People’s Committee and the banking sector on accelerating credit growth to serve socio-economic development in 2026.
  • 'Where troops serve, communities thrive

    Where troops serve, communities thrive

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - A vibrant atmosphere of community service has spread across many localities in Điện Biên province as officers and soldiers of Regiment 82, Division 355, Military Region 2, joined local Party committees, authorities, and residents in field exercises combined with community outreach activities. Roads have been improved, irrigation canals cleared, and rural landscapes made cleaner and more attractive, further reinforcing the cherished image of “Uncle Hồ’s soldiers” in the hearts of the people.
  • 'Initiatives made from sacred task performance

    Initiatives made from sacred task performance

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - Điện Biên, a land marking so many heroic feats of the nation, continues to execute a sacred journey of gratitude: Rediscovering the identities of heroic martyrs. The 500-Day-and-Night Campaign is being deployed urgently with the highest determination from the entire political system.
  • 'Keeping essential goods flowing through rainy season

    Keeping essential goods flowing through rainy season

    ECONOMY -
    ĐBP - During the rainy season, landslides and transport disruptions remain a constant threat in many mountainous areas. Alongside disaster preparedness efforts, government agencies and businesses have proactively developed plans to stockpile and distribute essential goods tailored to local terrain and the practical needs of communities at risk of being isolated.
  • 'AI robot - “Digital assistant” elevating service quality for citizens

    AI robot - “Digital assistant” elevating service quality for citizens

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - At the Public Administrative Service Center of Điện Biên Phủ ward, Điện Biên province, the presence of an AI receptionist robot is creating a new appearance in receiving and processing administrative procedures. Beyond assisting citizens with information lookup and guiding procedural workflows, the AI robot contributes to reducing pressure on civil servants, elevating work efficiency, and step-by-step materializing the goal of building a modern, professional administration.
  • 'Where smiles return

    Where smiles return

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - There are smiles that were once forgotten due to deprivation, loss, and laborious days. Yet within the shared home of the Điện Biên provincial General Social Protection Center, full meals, words of encouragement, and daily care are bringing back smiles to the faces of young children and those who once endured many disadvantages. There, sharing is given through simple deeds, giving each person renewed faith and motivation to live, study, and grow.
  • 'Smart technologies enhance reservoir and dam safety during rainy season

    Smart technologies enhance reservoir and dam safety during rainy season

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - As increasingly frequent and intense rainfall driven by climate change poses greater risks, traditional manual monitoring of reservoirs and dams has revealed limitations in both accuracy and continuity. In response, Điện Biên province has begun integrating digital technologies into reservoir management and operations to strengthen early warning capabilities and better protect infrastructure, property, and human lives.
  • 'Trade unions listen to workers’ voices

    Trade unions listen to workers’ voices

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Beyond caring for and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of union members and workers, trade unions at all levels across Điện Biên province are innovating their activities toward staying close to the grassroots, utilizing dialogue as a bridge to listen and accompany.
  • 'A journey of gratitude from heart

    A journey of gratitude from heart

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - Across the entire country, the 500-day-and-night campaign to accelerate the search, collection, and identification of martyrs’ remains is being deployed as a special journey of gratitude.
  • 'Peace along border strip

    Peace along border strip

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - Deep within the vast border forests, Sín Thầu commune holds a special position in managing and protecting territorial sovereignty and national border security.
  • 'Digital transformation reaches borderlands

    Digital transformation reaches borderlands

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - In implementing Resolution No.57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on breakthroughs in science and technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, the Điện Biên Border Guard Command has launched the initiative “Border guard soldiers drive digital transformation”. The model serves as a practical response to the “Digital literacy for all” movement while promoting the pioneering role of young border guards in equipping officers, soldiers, and border residents with essential digital skills.