Defense Minister checks preparations for Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024
On November 30, Minister of National Defense General Phan Van Giang checked the preparation work for the Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024.
The defense leader observed and gave instructions on the expo’s opening ceremony; inspected the expo’s venue; listened to reports on preparation work from the agencies and units; directed contents, including reception, logistics service, safety, and security assurance for the event.
General Phan Van Giang during the inspection
In his remarks, Gen. Giang praised the great efforts of officers, soldiers, and performers from both military and civilian units for the quality of the rehearsal, particularly the artistic performance. These forces closely collaborated with each other, showing their high determination during training activities.
He also required the organizing panel to re-edit the script of the opening ceremony to clearly demonstrate the power and solidarity of the Vietnam People’s Army.
Gen. Giang praising the great efforts of participating force
Applauding the Vietnamese air force, the defense minister underlined that the pilots will contribute to showing the VPA’s strength – the power to protect the Fatherland in the new period. The expo is part of the activities in celebration of the VPA’s 80th founding anniversary, the 35th anniversary of the Whole-People Defense Festive Day, and is seen as a festival featuring the strength, solidarity, and unity of the nation.
Gen. Giang required the participating forces to continue to raise their sense of responsibility and strictly observe discipline to well prepare for the upcoming event while learning from experience of other countries in organizing similar events.
Gen. Giang inspecting the expo's venue
According to the organizing panel, the event will feature materiel of the VPA and domestically produced defense and logistics technologies.
Attentively, the expo will innovate the presentation technology: using 3D mapping technology, sand table of Dien Bien Phu and Ho Chi Minh Campaigns, and virtual reality (VR) technology to simulate the developments of the Dien Bien Phu Campaign, including the attacks by VPA troops at Muong Thanh field, bombers at Tan Son Nhat Airport, and the simulation of tanks no.843 and no.390 entering the Independence Palace during the Ho Chi Minh Campaign, among others.
Gen. Giang observing the rehearsal
The scene of the performance reporting the opening ceremony program
The SU-30MK2 aircraft carried out its mission during the performance
As of November 23, partners from the U.S., Russia, and Italy have registered to showcase their weapons and equipment at the outdoor display space. The U.S. partner will display a C-130 transport aircraft, two A-10 aircraft, a Stryker combat vehicle, and an M777 lightweight towed howitzer while the Russian one will showcase anti-tank missile systems, BMP-3M infantry fighting vehicle, and RB-504P-E anti-UAV system. Italy will display a training aircraft. The indoor space will be expected to see the participation of more than 140 exhibitors from 28 countries, with an increase of 208 booths compared to 2022, surpassing the target by 183 booths.
As of November 28, 56 international delegations from 36 countries have registered to attend the event, including eight defense minister-level delegations and five delegations at Chief of the General Staff/Chief of the Armed Forces level, among others.