The exercise was overseen by Le Anh Tuan, Deputy Minister of Construction and head of the steering committee; Major General Bui Thien Thau, Deputy Commander of the Air Defense - Air Force Service; and Lieutenant General Thai Dai Ngoc, Central Party Committee member and Party Secretary of Gia Lai Province.

The event was attended by representatives from the Ministry of National Defense, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, the Vietnam Maritime Administration, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), as well as various aviation companies and domestic and international media.

“A gathering point” for Vietnam’s leading aviation drill

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In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister Le Anh Tuan emphasized that SAREX 2025 serves as an opportunity to test coordination capabilities and draw practical lessons for improving emergency response protocols in aviation.

The exercise's scenario simulated a civilian aircraft experiencing technical failure over Gia Lai province and crashing into the sea. Upon receiving the distress signal, authorities swiftly deployed a three-pronged search and rescue response via land, air, and sea.

More than 400 representatives, soldiers, and officers from civil aviation, maritime, and defense forces, along with units from Gia Lai province, took part in the operation.

From FLC Quy Nhon, helicopters, rescue ships, and ambulances simultaneously mobilized, executing tightly coordinated search and rescue efforts. In the air, helicopters circled to locate victims and extract the severely injured for urgent care.

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In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister of Construction Le Anh Tuan, Head of the Steering Committee, emphasized that SAREX 2025 was an opportunity to assess coordination capabilities and draw practical lessons to improve aviation emergency response mechanisms. Photo: VATM

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Maritime rescue forces and public security coordinate with medical teams to perform rescue, first aid, and victim triage. Photo: VATM

From the FLC Quy Nhon base - the command and logistics center for the exercise - coordination units constantly updated and adjusted response strategies in real time. The entire operation was carried out smoothly, reflecting strong coordination among all participating forces. The professional and decisive actions of each rescue team showcased their proactive spirit and high readiness for emergency scenarios.

The drill concluded with many valuable lessons, strengthening inter-agency cooperation and helping refine rescue procedures for Vietnam’s civil aviation sector.

Diep Anh