Brian Jeffrey
Highlights from the Vietnam International Defense Exhibition 2024
The second day of the Vietnam International Defense Exhibition 2024 was bustling with eager visitors.
A large number of attendees reflected the continuous interest in a diverse range of firearms, from handguns to heavy machine guns.
One booth from Vietnam gained notable popularity with its interactive electronic target shooting, displaying an impressive variety of firearms, including handguns, submachine guns, light and heavy machine guns, and sniper rifles, all with calibers spanning from 5.56mm to 12.7mm.
The U.S. Remote Weapon System (RWS) allows for automatic or remote operation of various weapons, including machine guns of different calibers, grenade launchers, anti-tank missiles, and surveillance stations.
While visitors were drawn to the latest large-caliber guns due to their lethal capabilities and modern design, handguns remained a favorite for their lightweight nature, enticing many to try aiming them. Ms. Ta Xuan Huong, for example, enjoyed testing a Turkish-made personal handgun.
Firearms produced in Vietnam also garnered significant interest, especially the SCX-12.7V, known for its robust specs: weighing 25kg, an effective range of 1.5km, measuring 1,570mm in length, having a caliber of 12.7mm, a muzzle velocity between 820 to 860m/s, and a 50-round magazine capacity.
The StrL-D rifle, made by 11 Precision Mechanical LLC, measures 1,037mm, weighs 7.4kg, has an effective range of 600m, and can hold 100 rounds in its magazine.
Also gaining recognition was the StrL5.56 light machine gun, designed for infantry, weighing 7.6kg, equipped for optical aiming, boasting an effective range of 1,000m, and achieving firing rates from 850 to 1,050 rounds per minute.
The SN19-T handgun, effective up to 50m, weighs 0.91kg and measures 210mm in length. It has a 9mm caliber, a muzzle velocity of 360m/s, and a magazine capacity of 17 rounds.
Like the previous exhibition, Turkish weapons captured considerable attention at this event, particularly at their booth, which was frequently crowded throughout the four-day period.
The SAR 127 MT heavy machine gun was a standout feature, prominently presented on a blue pedestal and known for its capabilities, weighing around 38kg with a maximum range of 6,764m. It can operate in both automatic and single-shot modes and be mounted on various vehicles.
Additionally, the SAR 762 MT showcased its high firing capacity, with the capability to deliver up to 50,000 rounds and a quick barrel change system, serving operational needs in extreme temperatures and altitudes and designed for infantry combat.
Produced in the Czech Republic, the CZ Tactical Sniper Rifle is noted for its precision and features an adjustable trigger, a folding stock, and a spiral-fluted bolt, constructed from aluminum alloy and weighing 6.3kg.
A product from Iran includes a four-barrel Gatling machine gun, capable of targeting aerial threats. Weighing 44kg and using a caliber of 12.7x108mm, it has an effective range of 1,500m and is designed to be mounted on helicopters and light warships.
Among the showcased items was the semi-automatic MGL (Multiple Grenade Launcher), one of the most feared handheld weapons globally. It weighs 5.3kg unloaded and features a rotating drum magazine that can hold six grenades, using a dual-action mechanism for seamless operation.
The Vietnam International Defense Exhibition 2024 has extended access to select booths until December 23, allowing more time for visitors to explore.
