Lieutenant General Phạm Tuân Experiences Vietnam-Made Training Aircraft Cockpit
At the Vietnam International Defense Exhibition 2024, Lieutenant General Phạm Tuân shared his insights on Vietnamese-made weaponry and military equipment, as well as the potential of Vietnam’s defense industry.
The exhibition, now on its third day, has attracted thousands of visitors, including retired military generals, officers, and veterans from across Vietnam.
With hundreds of display booths from over 240 defense enterprises representing 49 countries, the event was professionally organized on a large scale, leaving a strong impression on the public and attendees.
A Distinguished Guest at the International Exhibition
On December 20, Lieutenant General Phạm Tuân, a Hero of the People’s Armed Forces, toured both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Many visitors eagerly took photos and conversed with him, discussing both his heroic combat years and Vietnam’s defense industry achievements.
Engagement with U.S. and Russian Defense Exhibits
At the U.S. exhibit, which featured the C-130J transport aircraft and A-10 attack aircraft, Lieutenant General Phạm Tuân engaged in discussions with U.S. military experts and pilots.
The American pilots were surprised and impressed to learn that he was the Vietnamese pilot who shot down a B-52 bomber, often referred to as the “invincible flying fortress”, while flying a MiG-21. They also learned that he was Vietnam’s first astronaut.
The pilots enthusiastically invited him to explore the cockpit of the C-130J.
At the Russian exhibit, Lieutenant General Phạm Tuân, fluent in Russian, spent a significant amount of time conversing with Russian defense experts. Russia holds a special place in his career, as he spent part of his youth there and later fostered Vietnam-Russia defense cooperation while serving as Director General of the General Department of Defense Industry.
Experiencing the Vietnam-Italy TP-150 Training Aircraft
One of the highlights of his visit was his hands-on experience in the cockpit of the TP-150 training aircraft, a Vietnam-Italy collaboration designed for basic flight training and patrol missions.
Speaking to VietNamNet, Lieutenant General Phạm Tuân praised the aircraft as an excellent choice for initial pilot training.
“I am particularly impressed that a Vietnamese company, despite not specializing in aircraft manufacturing, successfully collaborated with international partners to acquire technology and produce aircraft domestically.”
He also noted:
“While aircraft principles remain similar, modern jets now use digital instruments instead of traditional analog gauges. This aircraft provides excellent foundational training, allowing pilots to transition smoothly to combat aircraft.”
Vietnam’s Defense Industry Shows Remarkable Growth
Following his tour of the General Department of Defense Industry and Viettel exhibits, Lieutenant General Phạm Tuân remarked that compared to the 2022 exhibition, this year’s event was larger in scale, featuring more exhibitors and more advanced weaponry—including Vietnamese-made defense products.
“This demonstrates that Vietnam is fully capable of hosting a world-class defense exhibition, and international participants recognize our potential.”
He emphasized that this exhibition is a major achievement for Vietnam, especially as the country commemorates:
- The 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army
- The 35th anniversary of National Defense Day
Cutting-Edge Technologies & Advanced Defense Systems
Lieutenant General Phạm Tuân commended Vietnam’s technological advancements in electronic warfare, missile systems, and aviation.
He was particularly impressed with the S-125-VT air defense missile system, an upgraded version of the Soviet-era S-125 Pechora, developed by Viettel.
The modernized S-125-VT now:
- Engages targets at both lower and higher altitudes
- Neutralizes ground and naval targets
- Operates independently or within integrated air defense networks
Additionally, he expressed keen interest in:
- Night vision equipment (binoculars, optical sights)
- Surveillance radar systems
- Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
“These are essential for modern warfare, and it is remarkable that we have developed and mastered such technologies.”
Vietnam’s Commitment to a Self-Reliant Defense Industry
Reflecting on past wartime challenges, Lieutenant General Phạm Tuân noted that Vietnam’s military technology once lagged behind its adversaries.
“During the war, I wished we had better radar systems to navigate at low altitudes without getting lost. I also wished we had advanced jamming-resistant systems to counter enemy electronic warfare.”
“Decades ago, when discussing defense modernization—especially in preparation for potential B-52 strikes—we strongly advocated for the development of a technologically advanced defense industry, including advancements in electrical and electronic warfare.”
He emphasized that Vietnam’s defense industry is now on a strong growth trajectory, backed by the Vietnamese government and military leadership.
“Vietnam has achieved full autonomy in producing strategic weaponry. In today’s geopolitical climate, self-reliance is more critical than ever. We must continue to invest in advanced defense technologies and skilled personnel to build a modern military industry that meets national security demands.”