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Vietnam's special forces drill ahead of 2026 Defence Expo

The Vietnamese military is intensifying preparations for the Vietnam International Defence Expo 2026, with special forces conducting rehearsals in Hanoi under the oversight of the General Staff. The biennial showcase is set to open next month with participation from nearly 200 exhibitors across three dozen countries.

LSN Vietnam · 13 November 2026

The Office of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army inspected special forces training exercises in Hanoi on November 11 as part of preparations for the opening ceremony of the Vietnam International Defence Expo 2026. The drills are designed to ensure readiness for the high-profile event, which will draw international military and defence industry representatives.

The expo has attracted significant international participation, with 189 exhibitors registered from 36 countries alongside 128 companies from 31 nations. The scale of registration underscores growing interest in Vietnam's defence sector and the region's strategic importance as a venue for military-industrial dialogue.

The Vietnam International Defence Expo 2026 represents a key platform for showcasing domestic capabilities while fostering international defence cooperation. The event will feature equipment displays, technology demonstrations, and bilateral engagements among participating nations and defence contractors.

Vietnam has positioned itself as an increasingly important player in regional security discussions, with defence expos serving as venues for diplomatic engagement and technology exchange. The involvement of the General Staff in overseeing preparations highlights the military's central role in executing the event.