The Vietnam International Defense Exhibition 2024 opened to the public at Gia Lam Airport on December 21, with more than 98,000 people registered to attend as of this morning.

By 7 a.m., thousands had already queued at the two main entrances leading into Gia Lam Airport. Security personnel, including the military and police, worked together to manage the crowds, guiding attendees to form orderly lines before entry. The exhibition is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on December 21 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on December 22.

Major General Le Quang Tuyen, Deputy Director of the General Department of Defense Industry, stated in an interview that more than 98,000 people had registered to attend the exhibition as of this morning.

The first two days of the exhibition were primarily for industry professionals, attracting over 10,000 visitors daily from sectors related to defense and military technology.

"The opening day for public access was carefully coordinated with the Ministry of Public Security and the Hanoi Capital Command. We also provided clear entry and exit directions and added more gates this year to avoid overcrowding," said Major General Tuyen.

Organizers have installed counters to track the number of visitors, with precise data expected by the end of the day.

By its third day, Major General Tuyen assessed the exhibition as highly successful, surpassing all initial expectations in every aspect.

To attend the exhibition, visitors are reminded to bring their ID cards or passports. Online registration through the exhibition's official website is recommended to avoid long queues.

Those unable to register online must bring their ID cards for on-site registration. Attendees are required to wear formal attire, avoiding shorts, flip-flops, or tank tops. Smoking, pets, and outside food are prohibited within the exhibition grounds.

Visitors can enter through two gates: the first on Nguyen Son Street, which also provides convenient access to parking facilities, and the second at Long Bien Golf Course.

Organizers discourage children under 10 from attending. For children aged 10 and above, parents must ensure they do not touch any displayed equipment or weapons. Visitors are also advised not to bring restricted items and to follow instructions from security staff.

Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable, formal attire and suitable footwear to navigate the expansive exhibition grounds with ease.

The entrance to Gia Lam Airport was crowded with visitors as early as 6 a.m., with lines stretching from Nguyen Son Street to the exhibition pavilions showcasing weapons and military equipment.

Although the event officially opened to registered visitors at 9 a.m., long queues had already formed outside the gates well before that time.

Although the exhibition officially opened for registered visitors at 9 AM, crowds began gathering outside the gates as early as 6 AM.

Security checkpoints inside the venue were similarly crowded as visitors adhered to regulations requiring proper identification and formal attire, such as no shorts or tank tops.

By 9 a.m., thousands of visitors had gathered around displays featuring military equipment from the United States, Vietnam, and Russia, drawing significant attention.

As the day progressed, the number of attendees continued to grow, primarily consisting of young adults, middle-aged individuals, and military technology enthusiasts.

The most popular areas included displays of tanks, artillery, and aircraft, where visitors vied for the chance to take photographs with the military hardware.

Certain areas, such as the exhibition of Italian and other international aircraft, were cordoned off, allowing visitors only to observe from a distance.

In contrast, some weaponry and military equipment were displayed openly, enabling visitors to interact closely with the exhibits.

One young visitor tried out the sights of a Soviet-made 130 M-46 artillery piece, currently in service with Brigade 45 of the Artillery Corps.

Le Manh Thang, a resident of Hoang Mai District, arrived at 6:30 a.m. to secure a spot in line. "I watched the live broadcast of the opening ceremony on TV and was amazed by the scale of the event. Today, I made sure to come and see these modern weapons in person. It makes me feel very proud," he said.

Visitors were also captivated by explanations of anti-tank missile systems like the FAGOT, which can carry 1,100 mm missiles weighing 12.5 kg.

Indoor exhibition areas were equally crowded, with people exploring and photographing the displays.

As in the inaugural event held in 2022, visitors had the opportunity to handle firearms and try virtual shooting simulations that scored accuracy using computer software.

The exhibition is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on December 21 and 22. Attendees are encouraged to take photos, record videos, and share their experiences on social media.

Thach Thao, Pham Hai, Bao Kien