By Thu Trà & Tiến Đạt

Analysts have said that Việt Nam is attracting great interest from global aerospace giants as the country advances its defence modernisation strategy amid regional dynamics.

Major players like Airbus and Boeing are expanding their presence in the country. They view it as vital in ensuring regional stability and fostering defence industrial collaboration, technology transfer, and workforce development. 

Industry reports have shown that Việt Nam’s defence expenditure grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9 per cent between 2020 and 2024. From 2025 to 2029, this spending is expected to further accelerate at a CAGR of 5.6 per cent. 

Zakir Hamid, head of  Airbus Defence and Space in the Asia-Pacific Region, said Airbus would like to strengthen the partnership with Việt Nam in its defence industry modernisation and capability development by providing cutting-edge solutions to support the country’s ambitions.

"We are committed to addressing the growing demand for advanced defence capabilities in the Asia-Pacific, where Việt Nam holds a significant place as one of our key markets," he told a press conference in Hà Nội on December 18. 

"One of our key platforms is the C295 - a versatile, class-leading aircraft uniquely suited to Việt Nam’s evolving defence needs." 

Hoàng Tri Mai, Airbus chief representative for Việt Nam, said that Airbus was looking towards a long-term partnership with Việt Nam, contributing to the country’s modernisation goals.

Currently, Việt Nam has more than 10 Airbus helicopters in service, primarily supporting the oil and gas industry and fulfilling critical search and rescue missions.

Meanwhile, Dale McDowall, vice president for Southeast Asia Business Development in Defence, Space, and Security at Boeing, said the US firm wanted to collaborate with local partners to modernise Việt Nam’s defence capabilities. 

"We aim to identify local partners in Việt Nam, support military capability upgrades, and boost investments," he told a press conference in the city on December 18. McDowall added that his company was confident in the potential for extensive commercial and defence collaboration with Việt Nam. 

The two giants are also among 200 domestic and foreign exhibitors who are joining the Vietnam Defence Expo 2024. These exhibitors come from 30 countries and territories worldwide, including China, France, India, Israel, the UK, and the US.

The event, which opened on December 19, featured high-level seminars on defence industrial cooperation, unmanned systems, and advanced weaponry. It provided a platform for Việt Nam to enhance its international reputation, adopt cutting-edge technologies, and lay the groundwork for a modern, self-reliant defence system. 

State-owned defence firm Viettel and other local companies also showcase missile defence systems, drones, air defence radars, armoured vehicles, and artillery.

At the event, Airbus showcased its defence and security product portfolio such as Flexrotor, a next-generation Unmanned Aerial System (UAS).  Meanwhile, Boeing offered four products in defence and security, combined with rescue and disaster relief capabilities, including the heavy-lift CH-47 Chinook helicopter and the multirole MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopter. 

Other firms such as US defence giants Lockheed Martin and Textron Aviation Defense also have their places at the expo. They have all been involved in talks with Vietnamese authorities for the sale of helicopters, Reuters reported. 

Lockheed is also discussing a possible deal on C-130 Hercules military transport planes, according to Reuters. 

Within the framework of the exhibition, exchange programmes to promote collaboration between agencies, units, and enterprises, as well as among enterprises themselves; thematic workshops on military technology; and activities showcasing achievements in defence cooperation, have been arranged.  VNS