A high-level Vietnamese defence delegation, led by Deputy Minister Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, has attended the Dubai Airshow 2025 and engaged in strategic discussions with the UAE Ministry of Defence, underscoring a significant step towards bolstering bilateral defence cooperation.
The Dubai Airshow, a premier global event in the aviation and defence industry, attracted nearly 1,500 exhibitors from 98 countries, showcasing nearly 200 aircraft and cutting-edge advancements in technology. Vietnam’s participation in the event highlights its commitment to international collaboration in the defence sector. The Vietnamese Government and Ministry of Defence have consistently prioritised creating favourable conditions for strengthening international exchanges and cooperation, guided by principles of equality, mutual benefit, and adherence to Vietnamese laws and international commitments.
During the event, Deputy Minister Chien visited various booths and engaged with defence industry enterprises from the UAE and other countries. He emphasised the importance of promoting exchanges and exploring cooperation opportunities that align with the capabilities of each party. This proactive approach aims to lay the groundwork for enhanced defence industry collaboration in the future.
A pivotal moment of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Vietnam’s Viettel Group and the UAE’s Edge Group on November 17. This agreement marks a significant milestone in high-tech defence industry cooperation. The MoU outlines a roadmap for joint initiatives, including the potential development of a model for producing core equipment in Vietnam. This equipment will be designed for components and modules connected to Edge products, targeting both the UAE and other export markets.
The agreement also aims to expand opportunities for research, exchange, technology transfer, and cooperation in technology training. Deputy Minister Chien congratulated Viettel and Edge on the signing of the MoU and urged both parties to maintain communication and closely coordinate to implement the agreed-upon content. He stressed the importance of developing detailed plans for specific cooperation activities in key areas in the near future.
This strategic collaboration between Vietnam and the UAE reflects a broader trend of international partnerships in the defence sector. As nations seek to enhance their defence capabilities and technological advancements, such agreements play a crucial role in fostering innovation and mutual growth. The MoU between Viettel Group and Edge Group not only strengthens bilateral ties but also sets a precedent for future collaborations in the high-tech defence industry.
The visit and the subsequent MoU signing underscore Vietnam’s proactive stance in the global defence arena. By engaging in international defence exhibitions and forging strategic partnerships, Vietnam is positioning itself as a key player in the defence industry. The collaboration with the UAE, a leader in defence technology, is expected to yield significant benefits for both countries, driving innovation and strengthening their defence capabilities.
As the defence landscape continues to evolve, such international cooperation will be instrumental in addressing emerging security challenges. The partnership between Vietnam and the UAE serves as a model for other nations seeking to enhance their defence capabilities through collaboration and mutual growth.