Major Powers Converge on Hanoi For Vietnam International Defence Expo
KICKING off in Hanoi today was the Vietnam International Defence Expo, the second iteration of the exhibition since its first edition in 2022. Being held from December 19-22, global players have all converged in the capital’s Gia Lam Airport to showcase the latest and best in the defence industry. Additionally, the event is part of the 80th anniversary celebrations of the Vietnam People’s Army as well as the 35th anniversary of the National All-People Defence Day.
The show was opened today by the Vietnamese prime minister Pham Minh Chinh, who said “the exhibition serves as a prominent international event promoting defence diplomacy and cooperation across various fields for peace, stability and development in the region and worldwide”. He added that Vietnam hoped to step up international defence cooperation to build trust and prevent conflicts. Vietnam is aiming to build a strong military and build up its defence capabilities by prioritising a self-reliant and modern defence industry which integrates dual-use technologies to ensure national security and economic development.
He further reiterated that Vietnam would stand by its defence policy of “Four Nos”, the first being no military alliances, followed by no siding with one country against another. Next, not allowing foreign military bases in the country or use of its territory against others, and the final being no use or threat of force in international relations. The prime minister was accompanied by the minister of national defence General Phan Van Giang and other top officials. Several foreign guests included the defence ministers of Laos, Cambodia, Cuba, Belarus, Thailand, Brunei and Mongolia.
Across its four day schedule, 66 international delegations would tour the halls featuring over 250 exhibitors from 49 countries such as the United States, China, Russia, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Iran, Israel, France, Italy, Indonesia, Turkiye, South Korea, India and more. Among them, household names including BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Airbus, Thales, NORINCO, Leonardo, Fincantieri, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS), Rheinmetall, Embraer, Aselsan, Roketsan, MILDEF, BrahMos, Rosoboronexport, Boeing, Cz, Dassault, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Rafael Advanced Systems, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL),PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI). Out on the tarmac, various materiel were lined up on display, from light aircraft to tactical airlifters, missile launchers, armoured fighting vehicles, (AFV), main battle tanks (MBT) and radars. -shp/adj/dl (Pix:VN GOVT)
