The upcoming Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024 promises a grand showcase of advanced military equipment, with U.S. and Russian partners leading the display. 

Highlights include the U.S. C-130 aircraft, A-10 planes, and Stryker armored vehicles, alongside Russia’s anti-tank missile systems, BMP-3M infantry fighting vehicles, and UAV defense systems.

Running from December 19 to 22, the event will exhibit 68 types of military hardware currently used by the Vietnam People's Army across 10,530 square meters - an increase of 19 categories compared to 2022. Domestically produced defense and logistics equipment will also be on display, with 468 products showcased, 155 more than in the previous exhibition.

The exhibition will incorporate innovative presentation methods, including 3D mapping, virtual reality (VR), and interactive simulations. Highlights include a VR depiction of the Dien Bien Phu Campaign and the Ho Chi Minh Campaign, allowing attendees to witness pivotal moments such as the bombing of Tan Son Nhat Airport and the iconic entry of tanks 843 and 390 into the Independence Palace.

Interactive displays, including a virtual exhibition space, will enable participants to explore key military assets in 3D.

As of November 23, exhibitors from the U.S., Russia, and Italy have registered outdoor displays.

The U.S. delegation will exhibit a C-130 aircraft, two A-10 planes, a Stryker armored vehicle, and an M777 howitzer across 3,000 square meters.

The Russian delegation will showcase anti-tank missile systems, BMP-3M infantry fighting vehicles, and RB-504P-E UAV defense systems over 200 square meters.

Italy will present a training aircraft in a 100-square-meter display.

Indoor exhibits will include over 140 companies from 28 countries, with 208 more booths than in 2022 and exceeding the 2024 target by 183 booths.

By November 28, 56 international delegations from 36 countries, including eight defense ministers and five chiefs of defense forces, had confirmed their attendance.

Beyond the hardware displays, the expo will feature bilateral meetings, cultural performances, and a special ASEAN Military Music Exchange. Workshops on advanced weaponry, unmanned systems, and international defense industry cooperation with countries like the U.S., Russia, Japan, and India will be held.

Double the scale of the 2022 Expo

Major General Le Quang Tuyen, Deputy Director of the General Department of Defense Industry, highlighted the expo’s significant expansion. With a total area of over 100,000 square meters - 15,000 square meters indoors and 20,000 square meters outdoors - the 2024 event is twice the size of the inaugural 2022 exhibition.

The expo's organization is entirely funded through sponsorships and revenue from booth sales, with an estimated budget of VND 120 billion.

General Tuyen emphasized the diversity of new products at this year’s event, noting that advances in military technology since 2022 have significantly heightened global interest. He also underscored the expo's role in fostering cooperation, trust, and mutual understanding among nations, contributing to global peace and stability.

The 2022 expo facilitated the signing of five contracts, including four by the General Department of Defense Industry and one by Viettel. Similar opportunities are anticipated this year.

For the first time, Iran and China will participate in the expo, joining returning delegations from countries such as Japan, the U.S., and Russia. The Ministry of Public Security will also showcase achievements of Vietnam’s armed forces in its own dedicated exhibit.

Tran Thuong