Commemoration of Vietnam People’s Army: Upcoming Defense Exhibition

On November 15, the Ministry of National Defense announced its plans to honor the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army and the 35th National Defense Day.

A key highlight among the events will be the Second Vietnam International Defense Exhibition 2024, taking place from December 19 to 22 at Gia Lam Airport in Hanoi. This exhibition will showcase cutting-edge military technology and weaponry.

Major General Le Ngoc Than, who oversees Political Affairs for the General Department of Defense Industry, revealed that as of November, 140 organizations from 27 nations have signed up to participate, covering over 5,000 square meters of exhibition space. Notable participants include defense industry giants from the U.S., China, Russia, India, Israel, France, the U.K., and Spain.

The anticipated opening ceremony on December 19 will host senior leaders from both the Party and State, alongside international guests. During the exhibition, a considerable amount of time will be allocated for public viewing. Admission will be free from 1:30 PM on December 21 until the event concludes on December 22, with no age restrictions. Unlike the previous exhibition in 2022, which was not accessible to young children, this year’s event welcomes all visitors.

Reflecting on the inaugural event in 2022, Major General Le Ngoc Than acknowledged its limited nature and less experienced organization, referring to it as a “learning process.” This second exhibition is notably broader, featuring a wider range of activities, more international delegations, and a greater variety of military equipment, including many new products developed since 2022.

The exhibition will cover various military sectors, displaying combat vehicles, innovative technologies, and equipment relevant to the navy, army, air defense-air force, cyber operations, and logistics. Entertainment during the opening ceremony will include aerial performances by the air force, martial arts displays, and special forces showcases.

• Air Defense and Air Force: Includes fighter jets, helicopters, training aircraft, drones, air-to-air missiles, portable air-defense systems, and missile artillery systems.
• Navy: Features submarines, warships, unmanned vessels, underwater exploration tools, sonar systems, torpedoes, naval mines, and missile systems.
• Army: Showcases infantry and heavy weaponry, anti-tank artillery, surveillance equipment for day and night, ground artillery, self-propelled guns, ballistic missiles, tanks, armored vehicles, and transport vehicles.