The formation of LAE marks a significant milestone in Vietnam’s quest to enhance its standing on the global technology map.

Its mission is to establish Vietnam as the regional leader in the low altitude economy and eventually become a global center for this emerging sector.

The alliance focuses on high-tech industries including UAVs, unmanned aviation, smart devices, data-driven systems, and automation.

It envisions the new economy generating thousands of supporting enterprises, creating 1 million high-quality jobs, and bringing in tens of billions of US dollars to Vietnam within the next 10 to 15 years.

LAE brings together leading corporations in technology, finance, and innovation, as well as startups and top industry experts, all with the shared goal of developing this new strategic economic sector.

Vietnam is now facing what is considered a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to become a global hub for the low altitude economy, thanks to its geopolitical advantages, innovation-friendly policies, and a young, dynamic workforce.

In addition, the alliance has signed several cooperation agreements to initiate public-private collaboration.

These include a strategic partnership between LAE and Ho Chi Minh City, an agreement between the city’s People’s Committee and Sovico Group to develop metro line 4, and a cooperation agreement among Hanoi, Sovico, and UNESCO to build a creative capital based on heritage and cultural values.

These agreements signal a new phase of action, where government and private sectors work together toward a strong, prosperous, and happy Vietnam.

Lieutenant General Tao Duc Thang, Chairman of Viettel, noted that Viettel is actively developing dual-use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to build a comprehensive low altitude economy ecosystem.

This ecosystem revolves around devices operating at low altitudes, including drones and potentially manned aircraft, serving both economic and defense purposes.

Globally, several countries are developing UAV technologies as key pillars of their low altitude economies.

China leads the world in drone innovation and application, accounting for over 70% of global UAV patents and hosting more than 50,000 related businesses.

Shenzhen, dubbed the "drone capital" of the world, is home to over 1,700 drone companies, 200+ dedicated aerial routes, and delivers over 780,000 drone cargo flights annually for logistics, surveillance, rescue, and precision agriculture.

Companies like Meituan operate dozens of drone delivery routes, while EHang has secured certification for its eVTOL model EH216‑S, paving the way for future air taxis.

China has even established a dedicated Low Altitude Economy Development Office.

In the US, Amazon’s Prime Air has launched drone delivery services in urban areas.

Alphabet’s Wing is expanding its drone delivery networks across the US, Australia, and Finland, while Zipline serves over 25 countries, delivering emergency medicine and vaccines.

In Japan, SkyDrive Inc. completed the first piloted eVTOL flight in 2020 and is partnering with Toyota, Panasonic, and Suzuki to develop an urban eVTOL ecosystem.

Meanwhile, South Korea is leveraging its 5G, electronics, and telecom infrastructure to advance drone applications in urban planning and logistics.

Thai Khang