The chemical troops unit rehearsing for the parade. — VNA/VNS Photos Tuấn Anh

HÀ NỘI — Nearly 16,000 officers and soldiers from units under the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Public Security, along with modern weapons and equipment, took part in the second joint rehearsal on Tuesday for the parade marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (September 2) at National Military Training Centre No.4 in Hà Nội.

​The rehearsal comprised of two parts: a ceremony segment and the parade formations. It began with a traditional torch procession followed by a flag-raising ceremony, and then a full parade drill. Marching columns from the People's Army and People's Public Security were followed by military and police vehicle columns, including armoured and special-purpose vehicles. After passing the grandstand, the units regrouped and returned to their designated positions.

A highlight of the event was the presence of modern weaponry and military hardware such as tanks, armoured vehicles, missiles, artillery, radars and specialised equipment for electronic warfare, engineering, communications, and chemical defence. Many of these are domestically developed by Việt Nam’s defence industry, including the Trường Sơn missile system, XCB-01 infantry fighting vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and advanced radar systems. These showcased the Việt Nam People's Army’s mobility and high combat readiness.

Female militia from ethnic groups.

Protective Service officers of the Mobile Police Command.

The Southern female guerrilla unit.

Senior Lieutenant General Nguyễn Văn Nghĩa, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Việt Nam People's Army and Head of the Subcommittee for Parade and Marching Organisation under the Ministry of National Defence, oversaw the rehearsal.

The rehearsal also featured special-purpose vehicles from the People's Public Security forces, including anti-terrorism vehicles from the Special Police Force, mobile command centres, bulletproof and amphibious tactical vehicles, multi-purpose combat support vehicles, and riot control vehicles.

According to the organisers, based on lessons from the first rehearsal nearly three weeks earlier and to cope with the intense heat, the participating units had conducted their drills with strict discipline and coordination. Marching formations were synchronised and executed with precision and uniformity.

Armoured vehicles unit.

Artillery unit.

Praising the participants for their perseverance under harsh weather conditions, General Nghĩa noted significant improvements compared to the first rehearsal. He commended the high level of discipline, unity and determination shown by the forces involved.

“We are proud to be soldiers and public security officers participating in the parade marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day. This is a momentous and meaningful event, eagerly anticipated by the Party, the State, the people and overseas Vietnamese, as a grand and solemn celebration of our armed forces’ strength,” he said.

Given the significance of the occasion, military and police agencies have rigorously implemented plans for rehearsals. Units have carefully selected individuals for their political qualities, moral conduct, discipline, height, physical fitness, and overall appearance to participate in the marching formations.

The full parade will feature 18 standing formations and 43 marching formations, including seven all-female units from the military – Military Band, Military Medical Officers, Vietnamese Peacekeepers, Commando Forces, Signal Corps, Militia of Việt Nam’s ethnic groups, and Southern Guerrillas – as well as two all-female units from the Public Security Forces: Traffic Police Officers and Special Police Forces. — VNS

Rocket vehicle unit of the Air Defence - Air Force Service.

Female medical officers unit.

The female traffic police officer unit.

The parade and procession units conducted their second rehearsal on the morning of August 5.

Armoured vehicle brigade.

Air Defence - Air Force unit with BM21 rocket launchers.

Armoured tank formation.

Fire Prevention and Fighting Vehicles.

Unmanned aerial vehicles from the Air Defence - Air Force unit.

Party flags and national flags carriers at the rehearsal.

Specialised Multi-Purpose Combat Support Vehicles Unit (High Command of Mobile Police).

The Mounted Police Unit.

Female commando unit.

Coast Guard officers at the rehearsal.

Logistics and Technical Officer Unit during rehearsal.

The Cyber Operations Force unit.

Female military officer corps.

Vietnamese women's peacekeeping contingent at the rehearsal.

The female Military Band unit.