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Viettel Academy welcomes European military delegations participating in Army Games 2021 to the establishment. |
During two decades of overseas investment, Viettel Group has collaborated with relevant agencies to drive international integration. Notably, Viettel Academy has fulfilled its defense diplomacy mission through professional support for the Army Games, military band exchanges, and national parades. International delegations visiting the Academy consistently praise the professionalism and dedication of Viettel officers and staff.
Impression at Army Games 2021
Launched by Russia in 2015, the Army Games foster military cooperation and combat readiness. In August 2021, Vietnam hosted the "Sniper Frontier" and "Emergency Area" events at National Military Training Center No.4 amidst a severe COVID-19 outbreak. Strict protocols, including quarantine and monitoring for all international delegations, were mandated by the National Steering Committee.
The Ministry of National Defense assigned Viettel Group to hosting seven delegations from Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Bangladesh, Mali, and Laos at the Viettel Academy. All academy personnel underwent security screenings and received three vaccine doses, while staff and trainees transitioned to remote operations.
Quarantine began on August 1, 2021. Despite rigorous testing, an outbreak emerged among the 130 foreign participants, prompting an immediate lockdown at the Academy. A temporary command oversaw strict logistics, 24/7 security, and daily disinfection. Specialized units, including electronic warfare and engineering, remained on high alert, while Viettel ensured uninterrupted utility services.
Logistics teams operated under extreme conditions, delivering individual meals to isolation zones while wearing full protective gear. Despite heat-induced exhaustion, staff maintained daily briefings and tri-day testing. Foreign contracting cases received specialized treatment at military hospitals in accordance with diplomatic protocols.
To maintain the competition schedule, delegations were transported daily between the Academy and the training center starting August 31. Following the successful conclusion of events on September 5, international participants expressed deep gratitude for Vietnam’s professional and solemn reception. Viettel’s successful mission earned commendations from the Ministry of National Defense and military leadership.
A80 – Strength of collective spirit
In December 2024, the Viettel Academy once again played an important role in defense diplomacy when military bands from ASEAN countries and China were invited to Vietnam for exchange activities to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the foundation day of the Vietnam People’s Army.
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The Russian delegation rehearsing for A80 at the Viettel Indoor Arena. |
In August 2025, the academy joined Viettel for mission A80, marking Vietnam’s 80th National Day (September 2, 1945 - 2025). The mission hosted 33 Russian servicemen from the 154th Preobrazhensky Independent Honor Guard Regiment and 120 members of China’s PLA Guard of Honor. Guests praised Viettel’s modern campus and hospitality, noting the high-quality accommodation and support provided for their ceremonial rehearsals and parades.
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The contingent of the People’s Liberation Army of China marching through the Ba Dinh Square |
A80 was a major national celebration and a key defense diplomacy event, showcasing Vietnam’s military to the world. Every detail, from uniforms to hospitality, was meticulously managed to ensure diplomatic perfection. Despite unpredictable weather in Hoa Lac, all delegations maintained high discipline.
The Chinese contingent displayed large-scale organization, while the Russian officers brought experience from major domestic parades. Beyond formal duties, cultural exchanges and Vietnamese cuisine deepened mutual understanding. Ahead of the ceremony, Lao and Cambodian delegations also joined for coordination at the Viettel Academy. Despite the grueling schedule, all personnel remained united and committed to the mission.
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International participants taking commemorative photos with Vietnamese officers on the A80 mission at the Viettel Academy before returning home. |
The A80 ceremony unfolded with solemnity and grandeur, featuring international delegations marching alongside Vietnamese formations through Hanoi. Foreign guests praised the professionalism and hospitality of the Vietnam People’s Army and Viettel during subsequent cultural exchanges. The event’s success highlights Viettel Academy’s organizational prowess and its growing role in defense diplomacy, following its contributions to the Army Games and military band exchanges.
Translated by Tran Hoai