The Naval Forces on December 25 held a ceremony to receive new aircraft and announced the decision to establish a flying squadron in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau.
The EC-225 flying squadron received two French-made aircraft suited for search and rescue work.
Admiral Nguyen Van Hien, who is also the Deputy Minister of National Defence, said the aircraft will help protect sovereignty over the islands, continental shelf and exclusive economic zones of the country.
A test flight was conducted after the ceremony.
(VNA)