General Phan Van Giang, Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, formally invited the Russian Ministry of Defense and Russian defense businesses to the third Vietnam International Defense Expo. The invitation was extended during his official visit to Moscow on the morning of 21/5, where he was received by Russian Minister of Defense Andrey Removich Belousov at the Russian Ministry of Defense headquarters.

The expo is set to take place from 10 to 13/12 at Gia Lam Airport in Hanoi, under the theme "Peace, Friendship, Cooperation for Development". The event will span nearly 150,000 square meters and is expected to host around 170 delegations from over 50 countries, alongside numerous defense industry corporations and businesses.

During the talks following the reception, General Phan Van Giang affirmed Vietnam's appreciation for the assistance and sentiment shown by generations of Russian leaders and people towards Vietnam in its struggle for independence, national construction, and defense. He emphasized that the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia continue to develop well, with defense cooperation being one of its crucial pillars.

Russian Minister of Defense Andrey Removich Belousov and General Phan Van Giang review the honor guard. Photo: Hoang Phong

In the two previous editions, Russia consistently ranked among the top nations showcasing modern defense products and technology at the expo in Vietnam. At the 2024 exhibition, Russian corporations presented several impressive products, including: models of the Typhoon-K MRAP mine-resistant armored vehicle integrated with the Kornet-EM anti-tank missile system; the BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle with enhanced armor; and the Rubezh-ME coastal defense missile system.

Additionally, 16 Russian manufacturers of weapons and military equipment also brought to the expo products such as: the Lancet-E loitering munition system; the Rubezh-ME coastal defense missile system; the Karakurt-E class small missile ship (Project 22800E); the new-generation Zaslon multi-purpose radar system; and various infantry firearms, including the AK-200, AK-15, AK-19, AK-308 assault rifles, the Chukavin sniper rifle, the Lebedev PLK pistol, and the PPK-20 submachine gun.

During the talks, the two ministers assessed that defense cooperation has achieved significant results in recent times, particularly in training, scientific-technological research, and coordination within ASEAN-led mechanisms, including the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM+).

Both sides agreed to continue promoting experience exchange, humanitarian mine clearance cooperation, training, and strengthen coordination between the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Center and units of the Russian Ministry of Defense in the future.

Son Ha