This morning’s maritime parade marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day 2 September brought simultaneous appearances by modern warships, submarines, and aircraft, creating a majestic tableau that affirms the combined strength of Vietnam’s forces at sea.

In the parade formation, the DHC-6 aircraft stood out as the Navy Air Force’s “eyes over the sea.” Highly maneuverable and capable of water takeoff and landing, this aircraft performs maritime reconnaissance, patrol, emergency medical evacuation, and search-and-rescue missions.

The Kilo 636 submarines, a source of pride for the Vietnam People’s Navy and often dubbed “black holes in the ocean,” are equipped with advanced missile systems capable of striking targets ashore and at sea, while evading enemy air defenses and autonomously locating and engaging targets with precision.

Alongside them, Gepard 3.9 guided-missile frigates feature high speed, long range, and seaworthiness up to Beaufort 12, with the capacity to conduct independent combat or operate jointly with other forces to neutralize targets at sea, in the air, and on land.

Project 159 anti-submarine frigates bring strong firepower with AK-726 guns, torpedo launchers, and rocket depth-bomb launchers. With a top speed of up to 24 knots, they are deployed to detect and destroy hostile submarines and underwater targets.

The 1241RE missile boats and 1241.8 fast attack missile craft are likened to “lightning at sea,” with a maximum speed of 43 knots, powerful armament, and modern radar allowing multi-target tracking and readiness for all scenarios.

TT-400TP gunboats can operate continuously for 30 days and nights with a range of 2,200 nautical miles, carrying modern weapons to engage targets at sea, in the air, and on shore.

Also on parade were multi-role patrol ships of the Vietnam Coast Guard, capable of long, independent deployments in all weather to directly counter violations of national sovereignty. Fisheries Surveillance vessels KN290 and KN390, equipped with modern command and control systems, enforce IUU regulations and conduct legal outreach for fishermen.

In addition, the Border Guard’s SPA 4207 high-speed patrol boats and the standing Militia Naval Squadron joined the formation - frontline forces for rapid response, patrol, and reconnaissance to affirm maritime sovereignty. A formation of multi-function rescue ships, auxiliary vessels, and other modern equipment also appeared in unison.

The maritime parade is not only a display of hardware but a testament to the resolve and capability of Vietnam’s armed forces to master the nation’s seas and skies. It is a legacy carried forward from the difficult early days to today’s regular, elite, and modern force - a pillar defending the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland’s seas and islands.