The exhibition, themed "80 Years of Independence - Freedom - Happiness", took place from 28/8 to 5/9 at the National Exhibition Center in Dong Anh, Hanoi.

The Ministry of National Defense's exhibit spans over 24,000 m2, including a 702 m2 indoor area and a 23,569 m2 outdoor area. The overarching theme is "The Vietnam People's Army - 80 Years of Independence - Freedom - Happiness," featuring the dominant red color of the revolutionary flag, the five-pointed gold star symbolizing national unity, and the stylized "Quan ky Quyet thang" (Victory Flag) as a dove of peace.

Some UAVs and drones at the exhibition. Photo: Hoang Phong

Inside, the space is designed like a history museum, divided into four content zones and one technology experience zone. The exhibits combine artifacts and documents with hologram, mapping, AI, VR, and AR technology. Visitors follow the historical flow from the nation's founding, the establishment of the Communist Party of Vietnam (1930), the formation of the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army (1944), the August Revolution (1945), to major victories such as Dien Bien Phu (1954), the “Hanoi - Dien Bien Phu in the Air” campaign (1972), and the Ho Chi Minh Campaign (1975).

A highlight is the virtual reality experience recreating the Ho Chi Minh trail. Visitors become soldiers driving trucks, passing through forests defoliated by Agent Orange, following convoys to the front lines. Along the way, they must skillfully avoid enemy bombers, witness fierce anti-aircraft fire, and see young volunteers repairing the road. Drivers also navigate bomb craters and obstacles, experiencing the intensity of the wartime battlefield.

Visitors experience a virtual reality drive on the Ho Chi Minh trail. Video: Hoang Thuy

The Ministry of National Defense's exhibition also features 3D holograms of historical milestones, a "circle of memories" mapping display showing images from 1944-1975; a Cu Chi Tunnels simulation; 3D maps of the Dien Bien Phu battle and the 1972 "Dien Bien Phu in the Air" campaign; and a virtual shooting range designed by Viettel and the Military Technical Academy.

The maritime and island area uses wave mapping, simulating a smart seaport of Military Unit 20 (Tan Cang Saigon Corporation), and displays models of ships and high-tech equipment from the General Department of Defense Industry and the Institute of Military Science and Technology.

The virtual shooting range designed by Viettel and the Military Technical Academy. Photo: Hoang Thuy

Outdoors, the Ministry of National Defense displays over 23,000 m2 of weapons and technical equipment under the theme "Sword and Shield". The central space features a replica of the Hanoi Flag Tower (Ky Dai Thang Long), surrounded by modern equipment made by the domestic defense industry and weapons currently in use by the army.

Son Ha