Throughout the exhibition, reports on the impressive and spectacular opening ceremony, equipment, weapons, new technologies, and strategic meetings among the partners have been continuously covered by both local and global media. Press conferences hosted by ambassadors and defence officials from various countries also attracted international journalists.
Among the prominent media groups present was a team of journalists and military analysts from Army Recognition, a Belgium-based media corporation. Covering the event from its start, their representative, Erwan Halna du Fretay, remarked that he was surprised to learn that this was only the second time Vietnam has hosted an international defence expo. Vietnam has done an excellent job. He also noted that has attended many defence expos worldwide, and not every country can organise an event as comprehensive, large-scale, and well-structured as this one.
Journalist Michael Chaussee said that the outdoor exhibition area was particularly impressive. Reporters had the opportunity to observe authentic infantry fighting vehicles firsthand, not just models. The variety of weapons, vehicles, and equipment on display was remarkably diverse. "This reflects the robust development of Vietnam’s defence industry as well as the exhibition’s appeal, with the participation of hundreds of enterprises from dozens of countries worldwide," Chaussee noted.
After spending the entire first day exploring the outdoor exhibition area, the team dedicated the second day to visiting indoor booths, delving deeper into the diverse products and technologies brought by international enterprises. It is hard to imagine encountering equipment and weapons from the US, the UK, Russia, France, China, Japan, and more all in one place. The design, decoration, and lighting layouts of the booths were highly striking. The presence of these global military powers here underscores Vietnam’s vast opportunities for diverse international cooperation, journalist Erwan Halna du Fretay expressed with admiration.
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| The exhibition space showcasing Vietnam's defence industry attracted numerous visitors. (Photo: TRUNG THANH/qdnd.vn) |
According to Reuters, Vietnam showcased domestically produced defence industry products at the expo. The event was organised as part of Vietnam's efforts to develop its defence industry, with a focus on seeking export opportunities for its defence products. The exhibition featured nearly 250 exhibitors, including leading companies from major powers. Reuters quoted Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s statement at the opening ceremony: "The Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024 holds special significance as an international event with the message 'Peace, Cooperation, and Development'."
Russian news agency TASS highlighted that the exhibition was held in celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People's Army and the All-People Defence Festival. The event reflects Vietnam's aspiration to cooperate with other nations for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous world.
Meanwhile, French news agency AFP noted that the expo aims to diversify Vietnam’s channels for cooperation in procurement, technology transfer, and defence production. Nguyen Khac Giang, a researcher at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, emphasised that diversification is “not only necessary but also an opportunity for Vietnam to access more modern weapons systems.” US-based Newsweek magazine described the expo as an important platform to demonstrate Vietnam's determination to modernise its military. The event underscored Vietnam's efforts to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers by showcasing domestically produced equipment and weaponry.
Nikkei Asia (Japan) described the Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024 as “one of the largest exhibitions in Southeast Asia”, as Vietnam works to modernise its weapons, technical equipment, and diversify procurement cooperation channels. Held biennially, the expo provides an opportunity for organisations and enterprises to showcase products and seek expanded cooperation opportunities.
According to Iran's state news agency IRNA, the expo offers Iran a chance to enhance international cooperation in defence and security technologies. Through this event, Iran aims to strengthen defence partnerships with other nations, promote technology transfer, and foster collaboration initiatives.
International media outlets share the consensus that the expo is a significant event attracting numerous defence industry enterprises worldwide. Azerbaijan's Caliber news agency highlighted that the event featured participants from 49 countries, including major companies from the US, Europe, and beyond. This underscores Vietnam’s growing stature on the global stage.
