Elite commandos train shirtless in 16°C cold ahead of Vietnam Defence Expo 2026

Despite temperatures of around 16 degrees Celsius in Hanoi on Wednesday morning, the cold weather did not dampen the special forces soldiers’ enthusiasm during training.

The troops continued to practice martial arts, hand-to-hand combat techniques and weapons routines ahead of their performance at the opening ceremony of the Vietnam International Defence Expo 2026, scheduled to take place from December 10 to 13 at Gia Lam Airport in the capital city.

The exhibition will feature displays of military equipment, weapons systems and advanced defence technologies from Vietnamese and international exhibitors.

According to the Special Forces Command, a total of 2,394 officers and soldiers have been assigned to the mission.

Training is being conducted under a strict programme covering physical fitness, military drills, individual combat techniques and coordinated operations across formations ranging from teams and squads to platoons, companies, battalions and the entire force.

Military units also hold daily exercises and competitions to assess training results.

According to the exhibition's organising committee, the artistic programme for the opening ceremony on the morning of December 10 will last 42 minutes and feature four performances.

The Special Forces Command will be responsible for a 10-minute combat martial arts performance combining war drums, battle flags, synchronized combat routines and formations creating symbolic shapes.

The soldiers will showcase four martial arts routines, alongside special forces combat techniques, paired staff fighting, nunchaku and mixed martial arts.

During the inspection, Senior Lieutenant General Le Quang Dao praised the efforts of the Special Forces Command's leadership and commanders, particularly the officers and soldiers selected to perform at the exhibition.

He said their participation was an honour not only for the individuals and the special forces but also for the Vietnam People's Army as it takes part in organising the country's third International Defence Expo.

"More than 600 exhibition booths from countries around the world have registered for the event, while more than 100 delegations have signed up to attend," Lt. Gen. said.

With the opening ceremony approaching and little training time remaining, he urged participating officers and soldiers to continue their preparations, maintain good health and discipline, and uphold military standards to help ensure the successful organisation of the exhibition.

Special forces soldiers train enthusiastically during rehearsal