Tanks make history with first parade through Hanoi

For the first time ever, tanks and military gear rolled down Hanoi’s streets, dazzling tens of thousands of spectators during a grand night rehearsal.

On the evening of August 21, a spectacular and historic scene unfolded in Hanoi as tanks and military equipment rolled through the capital’s streets, drawing cheers and admiration from tens of thousands of onlookers.

At 8:00 p.m., the first rehearsal at Ba Dinh Square kicked off in preparation for the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2. The parade featured an impressive display of tanks, missiles, and rocket artillery moving in formation along various routes, creating a powerful and majestic atmosphere.

After completing their route at the square, the armored vehicles were split into three groups and maneuvered to their designated assembly points. Tanks and tracked vehicles, after passing the main stand, made their way to the Ministry of National Defense headquarters on Nguyen Tri Phuong Street.

The BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles passed along Dien Bien Phu Street before turning into Nguyen Tri Phuong. Large crowds of citizens lined the sidewalks for hours, eager to witness this rare and awe-inspiring moment.

T-54 and T-55 tanks, self-propelled artillery, and armored vehicles passed through the area surrounding the Hanoi Flag Tower. Residents gathered densely at the intersections, waving and cheering as the armored columns rolled by, marveling at the sight of military hardware rumbling down the capital’s streets.

A massive convoy of military gear made its way through Quan Thanh Street, adding to the grandeur of the rehearsal. The S-125VT missile system crossed the busy intersection of Dien Bien Phu - Nguyen Thai Hoc - Tran Phu.

Onlookers were thrilled to see a smiling female special forces officer waving from an armored bulletproof vehicle.

BM-21 rocket launchers also took to the streets of Hanoi, their presence marking one of the most memorable visual moments of the night.

The motorcade, led by a tight four-column formation of police motorcycles, proceeded along Thanh Nien Street. The convoy then descended Thanh Nien Road, heading toward the intersection of Hung Vuong - Quan Thanh.

After passing the main stand at Ba Dinh Square, the wheeled vehicles split into two separate directions, continuing their strategic movement according to the parade plan.