Vietnam showcases cutting-edge UAVs at national exhibition

From combat drones to cargo transporters, reconnaissance units, and firefighting UAVs, a wide range of unmanned aerial vehicles are drawing crowds at Vietnam’s “80 Years of Independence - Freedom - Happiness” national achievements exhibition.

The “80 Years of Independence - Freedom - Happiness” exhibition (A80) is currently underway at the Vietnam Exhibition Center (VEC) in Dong Anh, Hanoi. One of the standout attractions is the impressive collection of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) developed domestically.

W-gian hang BCA.jpg — Modern technological products, especially UAVs, are a highlight at the exhibition, drawing large crowds. Photo: Hoang Hiep

Long-range multipurpose UAV by Viettel

Viettel’s long-range UAV is a strategic-level drone capable of executing real-time reconnaissance, electronic surveillance, target marking, and direct attacks, thanks to its multipayload capabilities. Designed to perform missions across challenging terrains - ranging from inland, border areas to seas and islands - this UAV highlights Viettel’s technological prowess.

It features a wingspan of 17 meters, length of 8.5 meters, and a maximum takeoff weight of 1,500kg. With a top speed of 200 km/h, it can reach altitudes of 10km and sustain flight for over 24 hours.

UAV chien thuat Viettal 1.jpg — A scale model of Viettel’s long-range UAV displayed at A80.

UAV chien that Viettel 2.jpg — The UAV has a 17m wingspan and can fly continuously for over 24 hours.

Tactical combat UAV by Viettel

Viettel also presented its tactical combat UAV, designed to directly strike ground forces and light armored vehicles during daytime operations. Compact and electrically powered for low noise, this UAV can be launched via a tube or portable launcher, allowing stealth operations and easy deployment at soldier level.

It incorporates AI technology to automatically search, identify, lock onto, and engage targets in real-time with operator confirmation.

UAV Viettel 1.jpg — Viettel’s tactical combat UAV can autonomously seek, identify, and engage targets in real-time.

UAV Viettel 2.jpg — This drone can be deployed down to individual soldier level.

Firefighting UAV by the General Department of National Defense Industry

This specialized UAV is designed to suppress fires in hard-to-reach areas where conventional firefighting methods fall short. It is equipped with three rotors and two dedicated firefighting cannons.

With operational dimensions of 2,500 x 2,500 x 600 mm, the UAV weighs 28kg when empty and can take off with a maximum weight of 50kg. It has a flight range of 5km and an operational flight time of 15 minutes when fully loaded.

UAV chua chay 1.jpg — Firefighting UAV equipped with three rotors and two firefighting cannons.

W-UAV chua chay.jpg — Operational size: 2,500 x 2,500 x 600 mm; max takeoff weight: 50kg.

It has a maximum operating range within a 5 km radius and a loaded flight time of 15 minutes.

UAV-BXL fixed-wing combat drone

Developed by the Department of National Defense Industry, this compact fixed-wing drone targets enemies at close and medium ranges (under 1,000 meters). It is currently on display in the Ministry of National Defense’s exhibition area.

The UAV-BXL weighs 10.5kg at takeoff, has a flight ceiling below 1,000 meters, and can operate for more than 10 minutes. It boasts an effective range of over 10km and can reach speeds above 150 km/h. Its armor-piercing capability exceeds 250mm of steel.

W-UAV BXL.jpg — UAV-BXL có khối lượng khi cất cánh là 10,5kg, thời gian bay tối đa hơn 10 phút với trần bay dưới 1.000m. Bán kính hoạt động của UAV-BXL là trên 10km.

W-UAV BXL 2.jpg — UAV-BXL has a piercing capability of over 250mm of steel.

TSCB-24 reconnaissance UAV

Also showcased by the General Department of National Defense Industry is the TSCB-24 reconnaissance UAV. This drone has a maximum takeoff weight of 6kg and can carry up to 2kg of payload. With a cruising speed of 108 km/h, it can fly at altitudes up to 3km and has a 30km range.

Launched from a tube and recovered via parachute, the TSCB-24 uses an optical-electronic system capable of day and night operation. It supports various flight modes including autonomous, waypoint, return-to-base, and orbit. Communication with the ground station is encrypted using AES-256.

W-UAV trinh sat 1.jpg — TSCB-24 reconnaissance UAV launched by tube and lands with a parachute.

N630 UAV for security and emergency missions

Developed by Gtel Corporation under the Ministry of Public Security, the N630 UAV is designed for security, firefighting, rescue, and commercial cargo transport. It is currently featured prominently in the Ministry of Public Security's exhibition area.

The N630 measures 2,063 x 1,631 x 774 mm, with a maximum payload of 30kg. It reaches a top speed of 9 m/s, has a control range of 15km, and can fly for up to 35 minutes. It also resists wind speeds up to 12 m/s.