U.S. Joins Vietnam International Defense Exhibition with Unprecedented Scale
On December 19, at the U.S. military equipment display area of the Vietnam International Defense Exhibition 2024, U.S. officials engaged in discussions on Vietnam-U.S. defense cooperation.
This year, the U.S. delegation was twice the size of its 2022 contingent, led by Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
The U.S. showcased a broad range of military equipment, including:
- C-130J transport aircraft
- A-10 attack aircraft
- Stryker armored vehicles
- M777 howitzer systems
Additionally, a large number of U.S. defense companies participated in the event.
Strengthening Vietnam-U.S. Defense Cooperation
U.S. Commitment to Supporting Vietnam’s Military Modernization
Jedidiah Royal, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, congratulated the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense on hosting a successful and grand opening ceremony.
He reiterated that the U.S. strongly supports a strong, prosperous, and independent Vietnam, as well as Vietnam’s efforts to modernize its military.
The Vietnam-U.S. war legacy remediation cooperation has made significant progress. During Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Văn Giang’s visit to the U.S. in September, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reaffirmed the Pentagon’s commitment to:
- Continuing assistance in war legacy remediation
- Expanding dioxin decontamination efforts
Jedidiah Royal emphasized that defense cooperation between Vietnam and the U.S. continues to strengthen, contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
“The U.S. participation in this exhibition is a testament to our deepening relationship with Vietnam.”
He also highlighted opportunities for defense industrial cooperation between the two countries:
“We are always open to stronger defense partnerships with Vietnam and other regional countries, both bilaterally and multilaterally.”
High-Level U.S. Endorsement for Strategic Cooperation
Admiral Samuel Paparo Applauds Vietnam’s Military Excellence
Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, praised:
- The impressive and magnificent opening ceremony
- The Vietnamese military’s excellence and precision
He discussed existing areas of Vietnam-U.S. defense cooperation, including:
- Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief
- Military medicine collaboration
- Unexploded ordnance clearance
- Dioxin contamination remediation
- Repatriation of U.S. servicemen’s remains
“We see a bright future for our bilateral relationship, built on mutual respect, sovereignty, and independence, ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Vietnam’s Role in Regional and Global Security
Admiral Paparo expressed his strong support for Vietnam’s growing leadership role, particularly following the elevation of Vietnam-U.S. relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in September 2023.
“This upgrade in relations is a significant milestone for both the U.S. and Vietnam.”
He further commended Vietnam for:
- Maintaining an independent foreign policy
- Safeguarding its national interests
- Actively contributing to the international community
“Vietnam engages in humanitarian cooperation, disaster relief, and military medical assistance, while also reinforcing ASEAN centrality and a rules-based international order. This supports regional stability, independence, and development.”
U.S. Ambassador Highlights Expanding Defense Industry Partnerships
Ambassador Marc Knapper Commends Vietnam’s Exhibition Organization
U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper expressed his admiration for Vietnam’s well-organized defense exhibition.
He noted that Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính’s remarks on cooperation and friendship resonated strongly, particularly with the U.S..
“We seek to deepen our friendship and expand cooperation with Vietnam. We want major U.S. defense companies to operate here, collaborate with Vietnamese partners, and advance joint production and technology transfer.”
Unprecedented U.S. Government and Private Sector Engagement
The U.S. participation in this exhibition demonstrates Washington’s strong commitment to supporting Vietnam’s military modernization.
Ambassador Knapper emphasized that the U.S. government and private sector’s involvement in this event is historic and unparalleled, reflecting America’s firm commitment to Vietnam.