44 delegations from over 30 countries register for Vietnam International Defense Expo 2026

Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defense held a press conference on Tuesday to introduce the third edition of the international exhibition, themed 'Peace – Friendship – Cooperation for Mutual Development.'

The opening ceremony will feature artistic performances, official opening formalities, a demonstration by special forces, and a flypast by helicopters from the Air Defense – Air Force Service, according to the organizing committee.

Major General Nguyen Duy Minh, deputy head of the Ministry of National Defense’s Department of Foreign Relations, said the 44 registered delegations include ministers, chiefs of general staff, deputy defense ministers, and commanders of military services and branches.

For the exhibition, 189 organizations and companies from 36 countries have registered to showcase their products, with 16 official national pavilions representing countries including Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, France, India, and Turkey.

Major General Nguyen Duc Tang, deputy political commissar of the General Department of Defense Industry, said the 2026 exhibition would cover approximately 123,800 square meters, about 23,800 square meters more than in 2024. The venue will comprise seven main areas.

The common area will cover around 45,000 square meters for reception, security screening, conferences, and meetings.

The area for receiving VIP guests will span approximately 2,700 square meters, while outdoor and indoor exhibition areas will cover 24,700 square meters and 23,500 square meters, respectively. 

The indoor area will include three aircraft hangars and additional temporary structures.

An 8,200-square-meter area will showcase economic and defense products and the cultural characteristics of Vietnam’s three regions. 

It will feature notable economic and defense products, national-brand products, and regional handicrafts, alongside cultural exchanges and interactive activities.

The 1,150-square-meter cultural space will highlight the distinctive cultures of different regions and cultural and artistic activities of the Vietnam People’s Army.

A defense experience and military games area occupying around 11,000 square meters will offer visitors activities and demonstrations involving military medicine, special-forces techniques, service dogs, and simulated shooting.

Expo features international cooperation activities

A scientific seminar titled 'International Cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation for Peace and Sustainable Development' will also be held during the exhibition, with an expected attendance of 145 delegates.

The seminar will focus on energy security; semiconductor technology, robotics, automation and aerospace; biology, the environment, seas and oceans, underground resources, bomb and mine clearance, and postwar chemical-toxin remediation; digital technology and next-generation mobile networks; and new materials, mineral processing and the deep processing of rare earths.

Four countries — the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Bulgaria — have confirmed their participation. 

The organizers are continuing discussions with Slovakia.