Orientations and goals in defense industry research and development
When asked about Viettel's approach to mastering defense industry sector, Major General Nguyen Dinh Chien explained that the field of high technology, particularly defense industry, rarely involves technology transfers, with most transfers limited to assembly or offered at very high costs. Viettel has committed itself to self-researching, designing, and mastering at least 80 percent of the technology and products. The group seeks external assistance only for the most challenging components, working with specialized partners or experts. Viettel adopts a pro-active approach, continuously testing and refining to address core issues and simplify complex problems.
    |
 |
|
Major General Nguyen Dinh Chien talks to reporters of the People’s Army Newspaper. |
He further outlined Viettel's commercialization goals: completing a prototype achieves only 40 percent of the target, selling the product reaches 70 percent, and exporting it marks 100 percent. Research and development tasks are approved only when clear outcomes are identified, and a task is considered complete only when it meets customer requirements. Viettel aims for its products to be equivalent to or better than those of international competitors, with prices capped at 80 percent of similar products on the market, meeting Vietnamese military and international standards.
To meet the Ministry of National Defense's equipment needs and market demands, Viettel has set ambitious research timelines: 2-3 years for the first generation of military products and 1-2 years for subsequent versions, with more extensive systems taking longer.
Achievements in defense industry
Regarding Viettel’s accomplishments, Major General Chien noted that as a military enterprise, the group willingly undertakes challenging tasks entrusted by the Party, Government, and Military. In 2011, Viettel started its research with projects on communication equipment and radar systems. In 2014, it undertook key tasks in missile technology development and, in 2021, began satellite research and manufacturing.
He highlighted that Viettel’s ambitious goals and willingness to tackle difficult tasks have driven innovation and breakthroughs. Collaborating closely with military units, especially end-users of its products, Viettel ensures products are tailored to tactical requirements and operational environments.
Major achievements include mastering the research, production, and deployment of over 60 product lines across numerous categories of military weapons and technical equipment. The contribution has helped various military forces advance directly to modernity, contributing to enhancing military and defense capabilities of the country. Many of Viettel’s products offer superior technical and tactical features compared to imported ones, with high security and lower costs, saving VND tens of thousands of billions for the State budget.
|
|
 |
|
Viettel engineers check high-tech defense products. |
Viettel is now trusted by the Party, Government, and Ministry of National Defense, demonstrating that Vietnamese engineers can master advanced weaponry and technology. The group has also gradually developed comprehensive infrastructure, human resources, and research capabilities, paving the way for further innovations in defense technology.
Future of high-tech weaponry development
Discussing future trends in weapon development, Major General Chien noted that future wars would likely involve high-tech, precision weaponry, automated systems, and multi-environment combat. Intelligent reconnaissance systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and robots will increasingly replace human soldiers in certain roles. Alongside destructive high-tech warfare, information warfare and cyber combat represent another equally fierce form of conflict.
To address these issues, he emphasized the need to develop advanced weapons and systems that leverage cutting-edge scientific and technological achievements, tailored to Vietnam’s unique military strategies.
Strategic objectives moving forward
|
|
 |
|
Viettel leaders review products developed by the group. |
Looking ahead, Major General Chien stated that Viettel aims to become a global technology enterprise and a world-class defense company, serving as the nucleus of Vietnam's high-tech defense industry. The group plans to focus on producing key military products outlined in the Politburo’s Resolution No.08-NQ/TW (dated January 26, 2022), emphasizing strategic and high-tech weapon systems while integrating technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution to modernize military weapons and equipment of the Vietnam People’s Army.
The group will also invest heavily in human resource development, modernize infrastructure, and establish internationally certified laboratories to support research and production. Viettel will regularly give advice to the Central Military Commission, the Ministry of National Defense, and other State management agencies to address challenges in developing defense industry and enhance international cooperation towards the defense ministry’s orientations.
Translated by Trung Thanh