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The second edition of the Vietnam Defence Exhibition (DSE 2024) took place at Gia Lam Airport in Hanoi. Organized by the Ministry of National Defense, the event coincided with significant national milestones – the 35th anniversary of the Vietnamese military and the 80th anniversary of Vietnamese independence. DSE 2024 served as a prominent platform to demonstrate advancements within Vietnam’s defense sector, cultivate international collaborations, and illustrate ongoing military modernization programs. The exhibition drew participation from 140 companies representing 28 countries, underscoring Vietnam’s increasing relevance in the global defense market.
A central theme of DSE 2024 was Vietnam’s pursuit of greater self-sufficiency in arms procurement. Recognizing the strategic importance of domestic production, the Vietnamese government has increased investment in its national defense industry. This includes prioritizing research and development initiatives, facilitating technology transfer agreements, and promoting local manufacturing capabilities. Supporting legislation has been implemented to provide both financial resources and infrastructural improvements for Vietnamese defense companies, aiming to reduce reliance on imported military equipment. The exhibition prominently featured domestically produced weaponry, signaling a deliberate move towards increased autonomy in defense production. Some displays highlighted the growing sophistication of these industries, demonstrating advanced automation capable of handling projects originating from both Eastern and Western designs.
The event also reflected a noticeable shift away from Vietnam’s historical dependence on Russian arms. While Russia has traditionally been a major supplier, accounting for approximately 75-80% of Vietnam’s military imports, concerns related to Western sanctions against Russia and the disruption caused by the war in Ukraine have accelerated diversification efforts. DSE 2024 underscored this trend with significant representation from American, European, Middle Eastern, and Asian defense companies, many presenting alternatives to Russian systems.
Given ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, strengthening naval and coastal defenses remains a critical priority for Vietnam’s national security strategy. Consequently, substantial investments have been directed towards acquiring advanced military assets including submarines, frigates, and anti-ship missiles. Efforts are also focused on augmenting the capabilities of the Vietnamese Coast Guard through the deployment of new patrol vessels and enhanced maritime surveillance aircraft. The exhibition showcased a variety of these advanced missile systems and maritime defense technologies, demonstrating Vietnam’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests.