Crowds flock to International Defense Expo at weekend

From early morning on December 21, thousands of residents form a long queue at the gate of Gia Lam airport as they patiently wait for their turn to visit the Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024 which is getting underway in Hanoi.

crowds flock to international defense expo at weekend picture 2

By 9 a.m. up to 100,000 people have registered to visit the expo, according to organisers.

crowds flock to international defense expo at weekend picture 3

Security forces operate at full capacity to ensure safety and order.

crowds flock to international defense expo at weekend picture 4

People have to line up for about one hour before entering the expo.

crowds flock to international defense expo at weekend picture 5

The Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024 kicks off on December 19 as part of activities to mark 80 years of the Vietnam People’s Army.

crowds flock to international defense expo at weekend picture 6

More than 170 exhibitors from 33 countries and territories have registered to showcase a wide range of modern weapons and military equipment.

crowds flock to international defense expo at weekend picture 7

The visitors include not only experts in the defense industry but also many citizens passionate about technology and national defense.

crowds flock to international defense expo at weekend picture 8

They have the opportunity to see firsthand various types of weaponry, from personal firearms and tanks to aircraft and advanced missile defense systems.

crowds flock to international defense expo at weekend picture 9

This year's exhibition places particular emphasis on high-tech products, smart defense systems, and equipment designed to adapt to Vietnam's geographic and climatic conditions.

crowds flock to international defense expo at weekend picture 10

This marks the second time that Vietnam has organised the expo, following the inaugural event in 2022.

crowds flock to international defense expo at weekend picture 11

The four-day expo, hosted by the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense, served as a platform to foster international cooperation in defense and the defense industry, while also reaffirming Vietnam’s position on the global stage.