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

  • 'Serving the people

    Serving the people

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - During his lifetime, President Hồ Chí Minh affirmed: “Cadres are the root of all work.” Therefore, building a contingent of cadres truly close to the people, attuned to the grassroots, understanding of the citizenry, and accountable to the public is the decisive factor in translating guidelines and policies into practical reality.
  • 'Traditional sports spread cultural colors of Hmông ethnic group

    Traditional sports spread cultural colors of Hmông ethnic group

    CULTURE - SPORTS -
    ĐBP - Thrilling tug-of-war and stick-pushing matches, deft pa pao throws, the resonant buzz of tù lu spinning tops, and intense concentration in every crossbow shooting round... All came together to forge a distinct appeal for the sporting competitions at the 4th Hmông Ethnic Cultural Festival. Through each contest, traditional sports delivered exciting moments, captivating residents and visitors while helping spread the cultural beauty of the Hmông people.
  • 'Closing ceremony of 4th Hmông Ethnic Cultural Festival

    Closing ceremony of 4th Hmông Ethnic Cultural Festival

    CULTURE - SPORTS -
    ĐBP - On the evening of October 11, at Mường Thanh Walking Street in Điện Biên Phủ ward, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism coordinated with the Điện Biên provincial People’s Committee to organize the Closing Ceremony of the 4th Hmông Ethnic Cultural Festival, 2026. Following three vibrant days featuring distinctive activities, the festival concluded with great success, leaving profound impressions on local residents and tourists.
  • 'Điện Biên improves domestic water quality

    Điện Biên improves domestic water quality

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - From invested and upgraded water supply facilities to pipeline systems extending into residential areas, Điện Biên is progressively bringing clean water closer to the people. Alongside expanding supply networks, the province prioritizes water resource protection, elevating treatment quality, and strengthening surveillance, aiming to ensure safe, stable domestic water sources and contributing to improved public health and quality of life.
  • 'Adding diverse experiences for visitors

    Adding diverse experiences for visitors

    TRAVEL -
    ĐBP - Điện Biên is refreshing its tourism offerings with experiences linked to indigenous culture, community life, border regions, and urban nightlife spaces. These new products not only provide visitors with more choices, but also offer more intimate perspectives on the land and people of Điện Biên, helping lengthen stays and heighten destination appeal.
  • 'The Party’s strong political will and wise leadership

    The Party’s strong political will and wise leadership

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - On October 10, 1949, the Lai Châu provincial Party Affairs Committee - now the Điện Biên provincial Party Committee - was established. This represented a milestone laying the groundwork for revolutionary movements across the locality to receive unified leadership.
  • 'Colors of Hmông ethnic traditional crafts

    Colors of Hmông ethnic traditional crafts

    CULTURE - SPORTS -
    ĐBP - Within the framework of the 4th Hmông Ethnic Cultural Festival, taking place from October 9 to 11 in Điện Biên, localities have brought forth craft demonstration spaces rich in identity. Every product and practical maneuver contributes to showcasing the cultural beauty and vitality of handicrafts preserved across generations by the Hmông people.
  • 'The joy of a grand cultural celebration

    The joy of a grand cultural celebration

    CULTURE - SPORTS -
    ĐBP - The lively sound of the Hmông khèn flute echoes through the mountains and forests of Điện Biên, blending with the excitement building ahead of the 4th Hmông Ethnic Culture Festival 2026. Artisans rehearse with passion, while villagers bustle about preparing to welcome visitors. Behind the flute’s rich, haunting melodies lies pride in ethnic identity and a heartfelt invitation to friends and travelers to join in the festivities.
  • 'Exciting sports competitions at 4th Hmông Ethnic Cultural Festival

    Exciting sports competitions at 4th Hmông Ethnic Cultural Festival

    CULTURE - SPORTS -
    ĐBP - Within the framework of the 4th Hmông Ethnic Cultural Festival, sporting events officially kick off on October 9. At this point, athletes from participating delegations are swiftly stabilizing their contingents, checking registration dossiers, and preparing uniforms and equipment, looking forward to spirited competitions.
  • 'Honoring cultural identity of Hmông ethnic group

    Honoring cultural identity of Hmông ethnic group

    CULTURE - SPORTS -
    ĐBP - The 4th Hmông Ethnic Cultural Festival in 2026 takes place from October 9 to 11 in Điện Biên province. Nearly 800 artisans, performers, and athletes from 11 provinces - including Tuyên Quang, Phú Thọ, Thái Nguyên, Sơn La, Cao Bằng, Lào Cai, Thanh Hóa, Nghệ An, Đắk Lắk, Điện Biên, and Lai Châu - gather together. This is not only a cultural celebration, but also an occasion to affirm the enduring vitality of ethnic identity within the nation’s developmental stream.