Deputy Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Le Van Huong joins the delegation.
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Sr. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Truong Thang (center, front) and other delegates attend the opening ceremony of DSA 2026. |
The 19th DSA opened on April 20, chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The event has attracted approximately 50,000 visitors, 600 civilian delegations, and senior officers from 60 countries. Nearly 1,400 leading global defense companies from 38 nations are showcasing their products. This year’s exhibition features 15 categories, highlighting modern military hardware such as aircraft, armored vehicles, and laser weapons, alongside key technology areas including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and robotics.
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Vietnamese delegates at the opening ceremony of the exhibition |
The Vietnamese MND’s participation demonstrates its interest in international defense industry cooperation. It affirms that the Vietnamese Government and MND consistently facilitate international exchanges based on equality, mutual benefit, and respect for law.
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An overview of the opening ceremony of DSA 2026 in Malaysia |
On April 20, Sr. Lt. Gen. Thang held bilateral meetings with several head delegates. The Vietnamese delegation visited exhibition booths to seek cooperation opportunities suited to each side’s capabilities.
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Sr. Lt. Gen. Thang and the Vietnamese delegation visit exhibition booths. |
That afternoon, the Vietnamese deputy defense minister met with his Malaysian counterpart, Adly Bin Zahari. The Malaysian official thanked Vietnam for its participation, noting it offered an opportunity to boost bilateral ties.
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Deputy Defense Minister Sr. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Truong Thang meets with his Malaysian counterpart Adly Bin Zahari. |
Sr. Lt. Gen. Thang praised the professionalism of DSA 2026 and confirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to its friendship with Malaysia. He highlighted positive developments in bilateral defense cooperation, particularly in high-level exchanges and mutual support at international events. Both leaders agreed to prioritize more comprehensive defense ties, focusing on delegation exchanges and defense policy dialogues.
Sr. Lt. Gen. Thang expressed hope that the Malaysian Ministry of Defense would support a Memorandum of Understanding on law enforcement and maritime search and rescue. He also sought the early signing of agreements for a joint maritime patrol mechanism and a naval communication channel. Additionally, he called for stronger coordination in information sharing and the humane treatment of fishermen. Sharing these views, the Malaysian leader expressed a desire to further promote bilateral defense relations.
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Sr. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Truong Thang and Malaysian Deputy Minister of Defense Adly Bin Zahari at the meeting |
On this occasion, Sr. Lt. Gen. Thang invited the Malaysian deputy minister and defense enterprises to attend and display products at the third Vietnam Defense Expo in Hanoi in December 2026.
By Kieu Trinh (from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
Translated by Mai Huong