Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024 Showcases Innovation and Fosters Global Partnerships
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: The Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024, held from December 19 to 22 at Gia Lâm Airport in Hanội, has garnered acclaim from defence officials and ambassadors worldwide. Coinciding with the 80th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA), the event highlighted Vietnam’s aspirations to advance its self-reliance in defence industry and technology.
Global Recognition for Việt Nam’s Defence Industry
Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, Vice Admiral Angus Topshee, lauded the innovative defence and security solutions showcased at the expo. He expressed particular interest in solutions offered by Vietnamese and international suppliers, emphasizing their potential for global application.
French Ambassador Olivier Brochet, during his tour of booths, including that of the Military Industry and Telecoms Group (Viettel), commended Vietnam’s significant potential for growth in defence manufacturing. Highlighting Vietnam’s need for a self-reliant defence industry, he reaffirmed France’s readiness to serve as a partner in this strategic endeavor. He also underscored how the event aligns with Vietnam’s “four no’s” defence policy and enhances the nation’s sovereignty protection capabilities.
Mark Lancaster, the UK Government’s Defence and Security Envoy, shared insights from the Vietnam National Defence White Paper, which outlines Vietnam’s goals of army modernization by 2030 and diversification of defence partnerships. He affirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting these objectives, emphasizing optimism for the future of bilateral defence ties.
Strengthening Regional and Global Partnerships
Roman Oplesnin, representing the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation of Russia, projected that the expo’s growing scale could elevate it to one of the premier defence events in the Asia-Pacific. He noted that the 2024 edition was more extensive and professional, featuring nearly 40 participating countries and over 240 exhibitors.
Alexander Mikheev, CEO of Rosoboronexport under Russian Technologies State Corporation (Rostec), highlighted military-technical cooperation as a cornerstone of the Vietnam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership. He expressed eagerness to supply Vietnam with advanced defence products to bolster the country’s military and public security forces.
A Catalyst for Vietnam’s Defence Industry Development
The Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024 serves as a platform for showcasing cutting-edge defence technologies and fostering partnerships that align with Vietnam’s aspirations for a modernized and self-reliant defence industry. Its success reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening its defence capabilities and fostering cooperation with global partners in an increasingly interconnected security environment.
As Vietnam continues to host such events, the expo is poised to become a pivotal occasion on the international defence calendar, reinforcing the nation’s growing stature in the global defence landscape.
