U.S.-based Boeing, one of the world's largest aerospace companies, has introduced to Vietnam four new aircraft and vessel products that the firm says meet the country’s needs at the 2024 International Defense Expo, which kicked off on Thursday in Hanoi.  

At the four-day expo, Boeing has for the first time opened a booth featuring four defense and security products useful for multiple tasks including rescue and relief operations, Dale McDowall, vice-president of Business Development for Boeing Defense, Space and Security in Southeast Asia, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper in an interview on Wednesday.

These new products include the CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter, MH-139 Grey Wolf multi-mission helicopter, ScanEagle unmanned aircraft system (UAS), and Wave Glider, the world’s most proven autonomous surface vehicle. 

Asked about Boeing’s expectation, McDowall said that these products meet the needs of the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam.

McDowall added that he and other Boeing officials had meetings with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the representatives of these two ministries on Wednesday within the framework of the expo.

During the talks, the Boeing representatives said the firm wishes to invest in Vietnam, seek business partners, and hopes that the defense ministry will buy more military arms from Boeing to modernize Vietnam's military capabilities, McDowall narrated.

Michael Nguyen, director of Boeing Vietnam, told Tuoi Tre that all Boeing products showcased at the exhibition have garnered interest from the two ministries.

Highlighting the aircraft on display, McDowall noted that the ScanEagle UAS is a highly reliable system, boasting 1.5 million flight hours globally.

With a continuous flight time of 18-19 hours, a flying altitude of 5,800 meters, and the ability to carry equipment, the ScanEagle is very convenient for performing maritime security, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, he commented.  

Boeing is supporting the Vietnam Coast Guard to install and trial this UAS type in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, near Ho Chi Minh City, while offering training in relevant operation and maintenance, McDowall said.

He added that 60 percent of the world's maritime traffic volume passes through Vietnam's exclusive economic zone.

Regarding the CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter, McDowall said that this aircraft has been relentlessly improved and developed over the past 60 years, making it a match for humanitarian missions.

Meanwhile, the MH-139 Grey Wolf multi-mission helicopter, developed based on the Leonardo Helicopters AW139 helicopter model, can perform multiple missions such as patrol, search, and rescue, as well as transport of very important persons (VIPs), troops, and cargo, according to Boeing. 

As the only vessel of Boeing at the expo, Wave Glider, which runs on solar batteries and wave power, has outstanding durability and can perform an uninterrupted mission lasting for months.  

The 2024 International Defense Expo will last until Sunday, gathering over 200 enterprises from more than 30 countries, including the U.S., Russia, the UK, France, Germany, India, Japan, South Korea, China, and others.

The expo, in its second edition, features combat vehicles, weapons, military equipment, and technological solutions for the navy, army, air defense force, logistics, and technical support.

The first Vietnam International Defense Expo was held in 2022, attracting 174 enterprises from 30 countries.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!