Among the event’s most prominent features, the Ministry of National Defense’s display is regarded as one of the exhibition’s central pillars, promising to offer visitors both impressive content and unique experiences.
    |
 |
|
Sr. Col. Nguyen Doan Cuong |
In a recent interview granted to reporters of the People’s Army Newspaper, Head of the International Cooperation Department under the General Department of Defense Industry Senior Colonel Nguyen Doan Cuong said that the exhibition, themed “80 Years on the journey of independence – freedom – happiness,” is organized under the direct guidance of the Government, with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism acting as the standing body. It will run from August 28 to September 5 at the National Exposition Center in Hanoi's Dong Anh commune, covering a total area of 250,900 square meters, both indoors and outdoors.
Within this framework, the Ministry of National Defense will present two major display areas. The indoor section, themed “Shaping development,” spans 702 square meters, while the outdoor section, themed “The sword and the shield,” covers an expansive 23,569 square meters. These spaces will showcase the Vietnam People’s Army’s traditions, historical milestones, and modern achievements.
To ensure the highest quality preparation, the Minister of National Defense has established a Steering Committee for the exhibition. Deputy Defense Minister Senior Lieutenant General Vu Hai San serves as its head. Deputy heads include Deputy Chief of the General Staff Sr. Lt. Gen. Phung Si Tan, Deputy Chief of the General Department of Political Affairs Sr. Lt. Gen. Truong Thien To. Sr. Lt. Gen. Phung Si Tan and Deputy Chief of the General Department of Defense Industry Major General Le Quang Tuyen are head and deputy head of the organizing panel of the exhibition, respectively.
The General Department of Defense Industry is tasked with leading the coordination and planning, developing the indoor displays, and collaborating with the Department of Military Science to arrange the outdoor exhibits.
Col. Cuong said that the ministry’s concept centers on guiding visitors through a “timeline of history.” The indoor display is divided into five sections, including an interactive experience area and four historical zones. The “Founding period” area recreates the atmosphere of the early days of the the Vietnam Dissemination and Liberation Armed Team, while the “Resistance period” (1954–1975) section highlights major victories such as Dien Bien Phu in 1954 and the Great Spring Victory in 1975. The “Renovation period” zone emphasizes the military’s role as a combat force, a work force, and a production force. The last one showcases achievements in the defense industry and international integration titled “the modernization period. Each section integrates artifacts, images, and modern technology to create an immersive narrative.
According to the Head of the International Cooperation Division under the General Department of Defense Industry, technological innovation will be a key highlight. The organizing panel will employ 3D Mapping and holographic technology, with a 360-degree projection screen at the center of the indoor display to vividly recreate historic battles and events.
Augmented Reality (AR) will also be used to reimagine specific historical contexts and allow interaction with historical figures. Interactive areas will feature simulated shooting ranges from the Military Technical Academy and Viettel, as well as a no-windshield vehicle driving simulation with realistic vibration effects.
In the outdoor section, more than 90 types of weapons and military equipment will be presented. Instead of static displays, the organizing panel will create dynamic “miniature scenarios.” For example, artillery pieces will be placed within sandbagged positions, and military vehicles will be set in field operation scenes, integrating the equipment into vivid battlefield contexts to help visitors better understand their real-world applications.
|
|
 |
|
The preparation for the exhibition is being accelerated. |
Col. Cuong added that the exhibition aims to underscore that, over the past 80 years, the Vietnam People’s Army has remained absolutely loyal to the Party, the Fatherland, and the people. From the rudimentary weapons in its early days, the military has mastered advanced technology, evolving into a revolutionary, regular, elite, and modernized force. The exhibition not only reflects on a proud history, but also affirms the military’s strength, will, and aspirations in the new era, ready to firmly safeguard the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Translate by Tran Hoai