HANOI, Vietnam — The U.S. ambassador to Vietnam indicated that American defense manufacturers might collaborate with Vietnamese firms to enhance the Southeast Asian nation’s military capabilities. “We aim to equip Vietnam with the resources necessary to protect its interests across maritime, aerial, terrestrial, and cybersecurity domains,” Ambassador Marc Knapper stated during an international arms exhibition in Hanoi.
The expo, hosted at Gia Lam airport, showcases 250 exhibitors, including major geopolitical players such as the U.S., China, Russia, Ukraine, Israel, and Iran. Notable American participants include Boeing and Textron Aviation, while China is represented by companies like Norinco and Gaodu International Trade. The presence of Iran’s defense ministry is juxtaposed with booths from Israeli firms such as Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries. Additionally, various Russian enterprises and Ukraine’s Motor Sich are present at the event.
Vietnam is actively working on boosting its domestic defense manufacturing capabilities to decrease its dependence on Russian arms imports. As per data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, approximately 60% of Vietnam’s military acquisitions in 2022 originated from Russia. However, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has prompted Vietnam to accelerate efforts in diversifying its defense procurement strategies. The country has also showcased locally-produced military technology during the expo.
One significant factor influencing Vietnam’s defense strategy is the rising tensions in the South China Sea, a vital area for trade and strategic security. This maritime region has become increasingly contentious, marked by the rivalry between the U.S. and China. Vietnam has expressed concerns regarding China’s aggressive activities in these disputed waters, where overlapping territorial claims from various Southeast Asian nations complicate matters.
During the expo, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh praised the event, calling it a “message of peace, cooperation, and development.” Following his remarks, he toured a military aircraft manufactured by the American company Lockheed Martin, highlighting the growing defense cooperation between the two nations.
