On 1/7, the Ministry of National Defense unveiled a list of 6 major science and technology challenges for 2025. This is a concrete step in implementing Resolution 57 of the Politburo on breakthroughs in national science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. The challenges focus on strategic areas directly serving the goal of modernizing national defense and protecting sovereignty in the new context.

The first three challenges revolve around protecting sovereignty in cyberspace—a new front identified by the Ministry of National Defense as crucial. The first challenge calls for building a high-performance computing platform capable of predicting information security risks, analyzing malware, conducting digital investigations, testing systems, and assessing network defense performance.

The second challenge focuses on managing information technology infrastructure and resources for national defense, through monitoring and warning of risks on network infrastructure and establishing a mechanism for mobilizing digital resources for military tasks. The third challenge aims to build a mechanism for sharing and exploiting interdisciplinary cybersecurity data, automatically identifying and preventing threats, ensuring secure one-way data exchange, and effectively controlling shared databases.

Missiles, launchers, and air defense radars at the 2024 National Defense Exhibition. Photo: Giang Huy

Missiles, launchers, and air defense radars at the 2024 National Defense Exhibition. Photo: Giang Huy

The fourth challenge extends to digital infrastructure, requiring the development of a secure inter-network connection solution for national digital transformation, capable of controlling internet traffic and preventing data loss in a two-way connection environment.

The remaining two challenges focus on core technologies for military modernization. The fifth challenge calls for developing realistic 3D simulation systems for technical training, operation, and maintenance, while also supporting research for equipment improvement and upgrades. The sixth challenge aims to master the technology for manufacturing hardware, operating systems, and software for devices such as computers, tablets, and phones used in military and national defense—from developing semiconductor chips to completing the production chain.

Speaking at the conference reviewing the cooperation program between the two ministries, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung emphasized that building and defending the country are two sides of the same coin, neither can be neglected. A strong economy ensures funding for the military; a strong military with deterrence maintains peace for national development. He argued that science and technology are not only for enhancing economic potential but also require commensurate investment to enhance national defense capabilities.

Minister Nguyen Manh Hung assessed the Ministry of National Defense as one of the ministries with strong research potential, with many research results having been put into mass production and actual deployment, contributing to import reduction. He said the Ministry of Science and Technology will propose increasing the research budget for the Ministry of National Defense this year, while suggesting a focus on long-term strategic challenges.

Previously, the Ministry of Science and Technology announced a list of 21 major challenges in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, ranging from agriculture and industry to core technology development such as AI, 5G, blockchain, and satellite manufacturing. Within this landscape, the Ministry of National Defense's challenges highlight the integrated approach between security, national defense, and national innovation.