Hanoi – Dien Bien Phu in the air: A masterpiece of Vietnam’s air defence art

In December 1972, the Air Defence-Air Force played a crucial role in defeating the strategic bombing raid by B-52 bombers of US imperialists. This victory, known as “Hanoi – Dien Bien Phu in the air,” forced the US to sign the Paris Peace Accords on ending the war on January 27, 1973, paving the way for the complete liberation of the South of Vietnam and national reunification.

General Vo Nguyen Giap visits the Air Defence-Air Force Command on December 30, 1972. The force, along with the military and people of Hanoi, defeated the US strategic airstrike on the capital. (Photo: VNA)

The wreckage of a US aircraft shot down on the outskirts of Hanoi in December 1972. (Photo: VNA)

A US pilot is captured beside the aircraft’s wreckage in 1972 (Photo: VNA)

The wreckage of a B-52 bomber in Hoang Hoa Tham Street in Hanoi, shot down by Battalion 72, Division 361, on the night of December 27, 1972. (Photo: VNA)

During the “Hanoi – Dien Bien Phu in the air” campaign in December 1972, the Vietnam People’s Air Force shot down seven US aircraft, including two B-52 “flying fortresses”. (Photo: VNA)

During the “Hanoi – Dien Bien Phu in the air” campaign in December 1972, the Vietnam People’s Air Force shot down seven US aircraft, including two B-52 “flying fortresses”. (Photo: VNA)

Young Party member Phan Tuan Chi, a skilled gunner of Battery 4, Section 2, participates in numerous battles and achieves outstanding victories. (Photo: VNA)

Section 57 of the air defence missile force shoot down the 3,700th US aircraft on June 27, 1972, over Hanoi’s airspace. (Photo: VNA)

Battery 4 of the anti-aircraft artillery force opens fire on US aircraft. (Photo: VNA)