Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024: Showcasing More Than Just Weapons
WVR - The products on display at the International Defence Expo 2024 clearly reflect Vietnam's Defence Strategy, emphasizing defence and self-protection.
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| Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024: Viettel's booth at the Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024. (Photo: Ngoc Anh) |
Expo Highlights Mastery of Advanced Defense Technology
Located on an area of over 100,000 square meters at Gia Lam Airport, the Expo features more than 400 booths from over 240 companies and organizations, showcasing thousands of products representing all branches and services of the armed forces. The number of products on display has increased more than 20 times compared to the inaugural exhibition in 2022. Many modern weapons and equipment "Made in Vietnam" are introduced for the first time, highlighting the remarkable growth of the military and the defence industry.
The Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group (Viettel) exhibit more than 80 high-tech products spanning 10 sectors: radar, electro-optical equipment, electronic warfare, military communications, simulation training, command and control systems, aerospace equipment, cyber operations, cyber-security, and more. Noteworthy products include advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), reconnaissance and anti-UAV jamming systems, and integrated automation command systems following the modern C5ISR combat model.
In addition, numerous weapons and equipment currently in service have been successfully overhauled, upgraded, and modernized by defence factories to extend their operational lifespan. Among these are fighter jets like the Su-27 and Su-30MK2, which involve over 10,000 components. Vietnam is one of the few countries mastering the overhaul technology for such aircraft. Furthermore, Vietnam has maintained integration, automation, and modernization of the VPK-57 anti-aircraft gun system, enhancing its capabilities in countering low-altitude threats and UAVs.
The Expo demonstrates Vietnam's defence industry's ability to master foundational, core, and advanced technologies, producing equipment with performance equal to or surpassing foreign counterparts, at reasonable costs. This ensures independence, self-reliance, and resilience while meeting the demands of Vietnam's conditions and modern combat, contributing significantly to the country's economic development.
A Showcase of Vietnam's Growing Defense Reputation
The displayed products clearly reflect Vietnam's Defence Strategy, emphasizing defence and self-protection, and the nation's ability to manage and control its land, seas, airspace, and cyberspace. Vietnam's national strength is a comprehensive force across all domains, rooted in the unity of the people and the synergy of internal and external power.
In modern warfare, advanced weaponry plays a crucial and indispensable role. However, the decisive factor remains the soldiers—with firm political will, exceptional combat and technical skills, mastery of technology, and strict discipline. This aligns with President Ho Chi Minh's philosophy from 80 years ago: "The man comes before the gun."
The International Defense Exhibition 2024 has attracted high-ranking defense officials from numerous countries, including Defence Ministers, more than 40 international delegations, and major defence enterprises. Military powers such as Russia and the United States have also brought their products to showcase. Over a short period, dozens of memoranda of understanding and agreements on defence industry cooperation were signed, highlighting international recognition of Vietnam's potential, stature, and reputation in defence, the military, and the defence industry.
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| Representatives from the Ministries of Defence, military attachés of various countries, and international organisations attend the opening ceremony of the Vietnam International Defence Expo. (Photo: VNA) |
In addition to delegates from military units across the country, millions of viewers watched the Expo's opening ceremony on television. Thousands of citizens, spanning all ages and backgrounds, including many traveling from distant provinces to Hanoi, visited the exhibition. Despite extending the event by an additional day, public enthusiasm remained undiminished. The radiant, eager faces of attendees reflected widespread interest and pride in Vietnam's military and defence industry, serving as a vivid testament to the nation's *people's defence* model.
A Harmony of Culture, Strength, and Vision
The organizers of the International Defense Expo 2024 demonstrated exceptional thoughtfulness in the cultural performances celebrating the event's opening. Audiences were treated to the song and dance performance "Vietnamese Bamboo," Quan ho Bac Ninh folk songs, gongs and dances from the Central Highlands, and the rhythms and melodies of the Cham people. Folk music from across Vietnam converged, creating a soothing contrast to the space filled with steel and weaponry. This display underscored how Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage serves as a wellspring of strength for its military art and national defence.
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| Art performance at the Expo. (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
Vietnamese people forever cherish the lyrics, "Though we love roses in life, our enemy forces us to bear weapon..." Even in peacetime, the nation allocates resources for the production of weapons and equipment to prevent threats and prepare for any potential conflicts, ensuring readiness for victorious responses if war arises.
The significance of hosting the exhibition in Hanoi—a "City of Peace"—is profound, especially as it coincides with the 80th anniversary of the heroic Vietnam People's Army (December 22, 1944– 2024) and the 35th anniversary of the All-People's National Defence Festival (December 22, 1989– 2024). At this moment, in this location, Vietnam’s glorious history and robust present unite in a vision for a brighter future.
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| Thousands of people lined up to see the Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024. (Photo; Nguyen Hong). |
The Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024 is not merely a showcase of weaponry. It embodies profound meanings and messages that reflect the values of the nation, the people, and the military of Vietnam.
