Vietnam Defence 2024 Exhibition: A Showcase of Military Modernization and Strategic Partnerships
The Vietnam Defence 2024 exhibition (DSE 2024), hosted at Gia Lam Airport in Hanoi, marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its second edition. Organized by the Ministry of National Defense, the event coincided with the 35th anniversary of the Vietnamese military and the 80th anniversary of the nation’s independence. This exhibition served as a dynamic platform for demonstrating Vietnam’s rapidly evolving defense industry, emphasizing its military modernization efforts and fostering international partnerships. With the participation of 140 companies from 28 different countries, DSE 2024 underscored Vietnam’s rising strategic importance within the global defense sector.
Emphasis on Self-Reliance in Defense Production
One of the primary themes of the exhibition was Vietnam’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in defense production. The government has made substantial investments in the domestic arms industry, prioritizing research and development, technology transfer, and local manufacturing. Recent legislative changes have been enacted to support Vietnamese defense firms financially and infrastructurally, enabling the country to produce its military equipment and reduce reliance on imports. The exhibition prominently featured locally manufactured weapon systems, signaling a decisive shift towards greater autonomy in defense production. The displays showcased the sophistication and advanced automation levels of local industries, equipping Vietnamese manufacturers to tackle complex projects sourced from both Eastern and Western origins.
Diversification of Defense Suppliers
Another critical theme emerging from DSE 2024 was Vietnam’s strategic move towards diversifying its arms suppliers, particularly in light of diminishing reliance on Russian weaponry. Historically, Russian arms accounted for 75-80% of Vietnam’s military imports. However, recent geopolitical developments, such as Western sanctions on Russia and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, have compelled Vietnam to explore alternative sources. This shift was palpably evident at the exhibition, where numerous American, European, Middle Eastern, and Asian defense companies showcased advanced alternatives to traditional Russian systems.
Naval and Coastal Defense Priorities
Given the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, enhancing naval and coastal defense capabilities remains a top priority for Vietnam. Strategic investments have been made in acquiring submarines, frigates, and anti-ship missiles, along with efforts to bolster the Vietnamese Coast Guard’s capabilities through new patrol vessels and maritime surveillance aircraft. The exhibition highlighted a variety of sophisticated missile systems and maritime defense solutions, reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests.
Advancements in Air Force Modernization
Modernizing the Vietnamese Air Force was another prominent focus of the exhibition. The country is actively upgrading its fleet of fighter jets, increasing the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and enhancing its air surveillance systems. Notably, UAV technology took center stage, with manufacturers from Vietnam, Iran, China, and Israel unveiling cutting-edge drone capabilities. The showcased systems ranged from reconnaissance UAVs to loitering munitions and anti-UAV defense systems, illustrating the growing recognition of drone warfare in Vietnam’s strategic planning.
Cyber Warfare and Electronic Warfare Investments
In addition to air and naval defense, a significant emphasis was placed on Vietnam’s investments in cyber warfare and electronic warfare technologies. As modern conflicts increasingly highlight the importance of digital battlefields and cybersecurity, the Vietnamese military is enhancing its capabilities in these spheres. Various UAV jamming systems, electronic warfare tools, and cyber defense platforms were presented at the exhibition, signaling Vietnam’s ambition to establish a technologically advanced military.
International Presence and Strategic Partnerships
The international presence at DSE 2024 was notable for its diversity, reflecting Vietnam’s balanced and strategic approach to defense partnerships. Despite a declining trend in arms sales to Vietnam, Russia maintained a strong presence, with firms like ROSOBORONEXPORT and ROSTEC showcasing air defense systems, armored vehicles, and UAVs. The enduring collaboration includes technology transfers and licensed production agreements, enabling Vietnamese factories to locally manufacture Russian weaponry.
China’s participation was also significant, particularly with NORINCO presenting a range of military equipment, including tanks and anti-aircraft systems. Meanwhile, Iran debuted at the exhibition, highlighting its advancements in UAVs and missile systems, with the Iranian CM-200 anti-ship missile capturing attention as a potential alternative to Russian coastal defense systems.
Reinforcing U.S.-Vietnam Defense Ties
The United States has progressively strengthened its defense ties with Vietnam since lifting the arms embargo in 2016. At DSE 2024, American companies exhibited military equipment utilized by the U.S. Armed Forces, emphasizing their growing role as a defense supplier to Vietnam. Discussions surrounding potential sales of Coast Guard vessels, transport aircraft, and fighter jets were indications of a deepening U.S.-Vietnam defense relationship.
Further highlighting Vietnam’s expanding global defense partnerships were the contributions from Israel. Notable exhibitors such as Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) showcased its Heron UAV series and the BARAK MX air and missile defense system, while Rafael Advanced Defense Systems promoted its SPYDER air defense system. Israeli firms expressed interest in collaborating with Vietnamese manufacturers, especially in UAV development and radar technology.
The Future of Vietnam’s Defense Landscape
The defense landscape depicted at DSE 2024 illustrates a marked evolution in Vietnam’s military strategy. While Russian arms continue to play a role, Vietnam is increasingly leaning towards partnerships with the United States, Europe, Israel, and regional manufacturers for advanced weaponry. This pragmatic approach to defense procurement was highlighted by the juxtaposition of Israeli and Iranian firms at the exhibition, emphasizing Vietnam’s neutral stance and focus on national security.
With defense budgets projected to reach $10.2 billion by 2029, Vietnam aims to enhance its naval forces, air defense, and electronic warfare capabilities. The exhibition demonstrated the nation’s determination to establish a self-reliant, technologically sophisticated military capable of tackling both traditional and emerging security threats. Commitments to strategic autonomy and regional stability emanated from Vietnam Defence 2024, reinforcing the country’s ambitions to evolve into a modern military power while maintaining its policy of neutrality in global conflicts.