On the morning of November 30, General Phan Van Giang, Vietnam’s Minister of Defense, reviewed preparations for the opening ceremony of the second Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024 at Gia Lam Airport in Long Bien District, Hanoi.

The rehearsal featured over 2,000 participants, including special forces, border patrol units, military musicians, and artists from within and outside the armed forces. Performances included combat demonstrations, martial arts routines, and choreographed displays by military working dogs.

A highlight of the event was the breathtaking aerial display by Su-30MK2 fighter jets and Mi helicopters. The air performance began with coordinated maneuvers by pilots from Air Regiments 927 and 916 (Air Defense-Air Force), showcasing their skills in aerobatics.

Su-30MK2 Fighters: Seven fighter jets took off from Kep Airport in Bac Giang, forming two formations. The first trio was followed by a group of four jets, captivating the audience with their precision.

Mi Helicopters: Seven Mi helicopters, departing from Hoa Lac Airport, carried Vietnam's national flag and the exhibition's symbolic banner. The helicopters performed synchronized passes over the main stage.

General Giang praised the aerial and ground forces for their outstanding performance, emphasizing the strength and unity of the Vietnam People's Army (VPA).

The Minister of Defense highlighted the significance of the event, stating that the expo underscores Vietnam’s commitment to peace, self-reliance, and modern defense capabilities.

“Our pilots - heroes of the sky - symbolize the strength of our military on the global stage,” said General Giang. “Their actions reflect the spirit of a nation with over 4,000 years of history, as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People's Army and 35 years of the National Defense Day.”

He urged all forces to continue refining preparations, ensuring the exhibition conveys Vietnam's message of peace, cooperation, and development to international visitors.

The Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024 will take place from December 19 to 22 at Gia Lam Airport, covering over 100,000 square meters. The exhibition will feature:

Indoor displays: 15,000 square meters of space, doubling the scale of the 2022 event.
Outdoor exhibits: Over 20,000 square meters.

The opening ceremony, themed “Vietnam – Peace – Cooperation – Development”, will last one hour, featuring a 30-minute cultural performance followed by the main ceremony.

The expo will serve as a platform to showcase Vietnam's advancements in defense technology and reaffirm the VPA's dual role in defense and socio-economic development.