Vietnam Defense Expo 2026 to Host 128 Companies from 31 Countries

The Vietnam Defense Expo 2026 is set to be a significant international gathering, with 128 companies from 31 countries confirming their participation. The event, scheduled to run from December 10-13 at Gia Lam Airport in Hanoi, will feature major defense players from the UK, France, Germany, the US, Japan, India, the Republic of Korea, Türkiye, and China, among others. The announcement was made during a meeting of the organizing board, led by Senior Lieutenant General Le Quang Dao, Deputy Chief of the VPA General Staff. The expo will cover an expansive area of approximately 123,800 square meters, divided into seven key zones. These include dedicated indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces, an interactive defense experience and military games area, and a unique segment highlighting Vietnam's defense-economic products alongside the cultural heritage of its three distinct regions. A central attraction will be the display of a wide array of weapons and technical equipment developed by Vietnam's burgeoning defense industry. Notably, the expo will serve as a platform to unveil several new products that have not been showcased at previous editions, signaling advancements in the nation's indigenous defense capabilities. The organizing board has extended invitations to potential partners from 56 countries and has specifically requested the participation of the Lao and Chinese Ministries of Defense in the defense-economic products exhibition area. This highlights Vietnam's strategic approach to fostering regional defense ties. Logistical and operational readiness are reported to be at an advanced stage. The event will be supported by robust catering services capable of serving between 5,000 and 7,000 meals concurrently. Medical support will be comprehensive, featuring two outdoor emergency resuscitation stations and one indoor emergency station to ensure the well-being of attendees. Furthermore, a dedicated military medicine experience area will offer insights into traditional medical services. The Vietnam Defense Expo 2026 is envisioned as a crucial platform for advancing defense diplomacy, enhancing international defense cooperation, and promoting the growth of a modern, dual-use defense industry that can serve both national security and civilian economic interests.