The Vietnam International Defense Exhibition 2024, currently taking place in Hanoi, features participation from 66 international delegations and over 240 defense industry companies from 49 countries. Among the many impressive displays, Vietnamese-made weapons and military technologies stood out for their innovation and sophistication.

Vietnam showcased several unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including multi-role models capable of bombing and reconnaissance missions. A standout product, produced by Viettel, can fly continuously for 12 hours over a distance of 1,000 kilometers. Designed for all-weather operations, this UAV represents a breakthrough in Vietnam’s defense technology.

The BXL-.01 combat UAV was also exhibited, featuring autonomous target recognition and the ability to eliminate armored vehicles, radar stations, and other high-value targets.

A key exhibit is Viettel's large-capacity electromagnetic pulse suppression system. This weapon is considered pivotal in electronic warfare, capable of disrupting enemy command, control, and communication networks. It uses high-power microwaves to neutralize or destroy electronic circuits in enemy weapons, rendering advanced technology inoperable or off-target.

This exhibition also showcases a wide variety of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), attracting significant attention from visitors. Pictured is a versatile UAV equipped with a bombing capability.

Another long-range versatile UAV developed by Viettel can fly continuously for 12 hours over a distance of more than 1,000 km and is equipped with high-precision attack weapons. This UAV is capable of operating in all weather conditions and is considered a technological breakthrough for Vietnam's defense industry.

The BXL-01 fixed-wing loitering munition UAV is designed for suicide missions, capable of searching for, identifying, tracking, and destroying targets such as tanks, armored vehicles, self-propelled artillery, radar stations, and other armored technical equipment.

In addition to UAVs, the "Made in Vietnam" firearms and ammunition on display at the exhibition have also surprised many attendees. Pictured is a 73mm anti-tank round with a direct-fire range of 800 meters and a maximum range of 1,300 meters on the sight. This product was developed by the Weapon Institute.

The THCT-105TM2 explosive reactive armor system consists of explosive blocks encased in steel boxes mounted on the exterior of a tank or armored vehicle's main armor. This system is designed to neutralize or reduce the penetrating power of enemy anti-tank rounds and missiles, protecting the vehicle's primary armor.

The MK-140 missile is a versatile, multi-purpose weapon equipped with multiple guidance systems, including laser and infrared. The MK-140 is capable of effectively striking a variety of targets on land, in the air, and at sea.

Anti-aircraft ammunition ranging from 30mm to 105mm is prominently displayed in the exhibit by the General Department of Defense Industry.

Notable products from Factory Z117 include silenced mortars and silenced mortar ammunition. These items are designed for use by special forces in combat, delivering lethal effects while maintaining a high degree of stealth, surprise, and operational mobility.

The SBT-7.62M2 heavy sniper rifle is equipped with an optical scope. Previously, in 2018, Vietnam introduced the first-generation model of this weapon, the SBT12 M1, at Indo Defence Jakarta 2018. The SBT12 M1 met tactical and technical requirements for modern combat environments, leaving many Southeast Asian nations impressed. The design of the SBT-7.62M2 closely resembles the powerful Russian KSVK sniper rifle.

The SPL-30 automatic grenade launcher is another standout weapon at the exhibition. It is designed based on the principle of free-breech early ignition, enhancing its performance and effectiveness.

Another notable product from Vietnam is a lightweight missile launcher system equipped with advanced targeting components, including daytime and infrared cameras, a laser rangefinder, a laser target designator, directional modules, weapon platform stabilization sensors, a global positioning system, and sensors for wind speed, wind direction, temperature, humidity, and air pressure.  

This system can be mounted on the back of a standard pickup truck and configured to launch 12 guided or unguided MK70 missiles, 12 MK82 missiles, or 4 MK140 missiles.

Hoang Ha