An upcoming arms expo in Hanoi, Vietnam, scheduled for December 19-22, will bring together defence companies from geopolitical rivals, including Iran, Israel, China, Russia, and the United States. Vietnam’s defence ministry announced that nearly 200 companies from 27 nations have reserved booths for the event, reflecting the country’s strategy of diversifying military supplies and leveraging its diplomatic ties with global powers.
This marks a rare instance where countries like Israel and Iran, who have engaged in recent hostilities, will exhibit side by side. Iran’s participation is notable despite Western sanctions, while China’s state-owned Norinco Group, under U.S. sanctions, will also attend. U.S. defence giants Boeing and Lockheed Martin will showcase their technologies, with Lockheed reportedly in advanced talks to supply C-130 Hercules transport planes to Vietnam.
Vietnam, traditionally reliant on Russian arms, is seeking alternative suppliers to reduce dependency and bolster its domestic defence industry through technology transfers and potential export opportunities. The expo highlights the country’s “bamboo diplomacy,” a term for its flexible foreign policy that prioritizes pragmatism in international partnerships, particularly in defence.
Notably, this is only the second international military fair held in Vietnam, following its debut in 2022, which featured Israeli firms like Elbit Systems and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. While the full list of participants remains undisclosed, the event underscores Vietnam’s intent to balance ties among major powers while advancing its defence capabilities.
Also read: G20 Summit Calls for Global Action on Hunger, Peace, and UN Reform
