Over the past month, the armed forces, including army and police parade units, have undergone four combined rehearsals at the Mieu Mon Military Training Center before moving to Ba Dinh Square. Over 16,000 soldiers from 43 marching units, 18 stationary units, and 14 units of military artillery and specialized police vehicles will participate.

Various weapons produced or modernized by Vietnam will be displayed during the grand celebration, demonstrating the remarkable progress of Vietnam's national defense industry: self-reliant, modern, dual-use, and ready to defend the nation. One example is the infantry fighting vehicle of the Armored Force. Image: Huy Nguyen

The XCB-01 tracked armored infantry fighting vehicle, belonging to the Armored Force, was researched and developed over three years and debuted at the International Defense Exhibition in late 2024. The product was developed by engineers and scientists from the General Department of Defense Industry.

The XCB-01 is a modern weapons system capable of assaulting and destroying key enemy targets. It has a crew of three (vehicle commander, driver, and gunner) and can carry eight additional infantry personnel.

Some tank models have been modernized, such as the T54B/T55 – these "steel fortresses" are operated by a crew of 4 and equipped with cannons and anti-aircraft machine guns.

The Truong Son missile complex, researched and produced by Viettel, belongs to the Coastal Missile and Artillery Force of the Vietnam People's Navy. The complex includes a combat command vehicle, radar vehicle, launcher vehicle, transporter, and missile loader. This product is considered a significant advancement in the high-tech combat capabilities of the army.

The complex is tasked with observing the sea surface, collecting and processing information, selecting targets to destroy, and executing missile strikes. It serves as a core component of the coastal defense system, protecting economic and political centers, naval bases, and sea lanes. It can also blockade and control sea areas, providing support for other forces in maritime operations.

The S-125-VT air defense missile system, modernized by Viettel, offers superior mobility, a longer target destruction range, and enhanced combat effectiveness. This equipment belongs to the Air Defense - Air Force unit.

UAV complexes researched and produced by Vietnam play a crucial role in air defense operations.

Specialized reconnaissance UAVs detect and identify targets with high accuracy, day and night, while tactical combat UAVs can effectively engage ground targets and light armored vehicles.

The electronic warfare vehicle system, researched and produced by Vietnam, includes command vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicle jamming and reconnaissance vehicles, radio and microwave jamming systems, which neutralize signals and jam enemy radar, enhancing combat effectiveness.

The mobile strategic and operational military communications system belongs to the Communications - Electronic Warfare unit. The system includes command and staff vehicles, Vsat vehicles, and radio vehicles, researched and produced by the National Defense Industry. The system is integrated with high-tech equipment mastered by Vietnam.

The rehearsal on 16/8 at Mieu Mon took place during a downpour lasting over 30 minutes, but the parade formations remained steadfast. General Phan Van Giang emphasized that even if it rains on 2/9, the march must proceed flawlessly, unhindered by wet uniforms, as there's no time for a repeat performance. He urged the forces to practice in all weather conditions and instructed agencies to ensure adequate accommodation and healthcare for the troops.

Visiting and encouraging over 16,300 officers and soldiers, Defense Minister Phan Van Giang instructed the troops to make each step more powerful to showcase the strength and unity of the armed forces to the world. "Notably, for the first time, Vietnam is organizing a naval parade with the participation of the Navy, Border Guard, and Coast Guard, affirming to the world that the country has sufficient forces to defend the Fatherland," he said.

Combined rehearsals are scheduled for the evenings of 21 and 24/8 at Ba Dinh Square; a state-level preview on the evening of 27/8, and a state-level general rehearsal on the morning of 30/8, before the official event on 2/9.

Giang Huy - Hoang Phuong