Over the past month, military and police forces have held four combined rehearsals at Mieu Mon Military Training Center on the outskirts of Hanoi before moving to Ba Dinh Square in the city center.
More than 16,000 service members will participate in the A80 celebrations, organized into 43 marching formations, 18 standing formations, and 14 motorized columns of military artillery and special-purpose police vehicles.
A range of domestically produced or modernized weapons will be on display, demonstrating Vietnam's modern and self-reliant defense industry advancements. One example is the infantry fighting vehicle from the Armor Corps (pictured).
Photo by Huy Nguyen
Developed by the Armor Corps over three years, the infantry fighting vehicle XCB-01 made its debut at the Vietnam International Defense Expo in late 2024. Engineers and scientists under the General Department of the Defense Industry led the project.
The XCB-01 is a modern weapons platform capable of striking high-value enemy targets. It accommodates a three-person crew—commander, driver, and gunner—and carries eight infantry soldiers.
Several tank models, including the T54B/T55, have been modernized. Each tank operates with a four-person crew and is equipped with a main gun and an anti-aircraft machine gun.
Developed by Viettel for the Navy's coastal missile artillery force, the Truong Son system includes a combat command vehicle, radar vehicle, launcher vehicles, and transport and loading vehicles. It represents a major step forward in high-tech combat capabilities.
The system monitors sea areas, collects and processes information, selects targets, and executes missile strikes. It plays a central role in coastal defense, protecting political and economic centers, naval bases, and sea lanes, enforcing blockades, and supporting maritime operations.
Upgraded and modernized by Viettel, the S-125-VT features improved mobility, longer engagement ranges, and higher combat effectiveness. It will appear in the Air Defense–Air Force motorized column.
Domestically produced UAVs play a key role in air-defense operations. Reconnaissance UAVs detect and identify targets with high accuracy both day and night, while tactical combat UAVs can strike ground targets and light vehicles effectively.
Vietnamese-made electronic warfare vehicles include command vehicles, UAV-jamming reconnaissance vehicles, and radio and microwave jamming complexes. These systems neutralize enemy signals, disrupting communications and radar to enhance combat effectiveness.
Strategic and operational-level mobile communications systems will appear in the Communications–Electronic Warfare column. Developed by the domestic defense industry, these include command-staff vehicles, VSAT vehicles, and radio communications vehicles, integrating advanced equipment produced locally.
During the Aug. 16 rehearsal at Mieu Mon, a heavy downpour lasting over 30 minutes did not disrupt the formations.
General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defense, emphasized that troops must march well regardless of weather, noting there will be no time for do-overs. He also urged comprehensive training under all conditions and highlighted the importance of proper housing and healthcare for service members.
Visiting over 16,300 officers and soldiers, Giang said every step should demonstrate the strength and unity of Vietnam’s armed forces. "For the first time, Vietnam will hold a maritime parade with participation from the Navy, Border Guard, and Coast Guard, showing the world that our country has the full spectrum of service branches to defend the Fatherland," he said.
Combined rehearsals are scheduled for the evenings of Aug. 21 and 24 at Ba Dinh Square, followed by a state-level preliminary review on Aug. 27 and a full-dress rehearsal on Aug. 30, ahead of the official event on Sept. 2.
