Vietnam Holds Largest Ever 80th National Day Military Parade in Hanoi

Vietnam marked the 80th anniversary of its declaration of independence with its largest military parade in decades, showcasing a blend of Soviet-era and domestically produced military equipment, including tanks, missiles, drones, and armored vehicles such as the XCB-01 infantry fighting vehicle and XTV-02 armored personnel carrier. The parade, held in Hanoi and Cam Ranh Naval Base, featured land, sea, and air demonstrations with participation from foreign military contingents from China, Russia, Cambodia, and Laos, symbolizing both national pride and regional ties. Vietnamese leaders emphasized a strong commitment to defending the country's sovereignty, highlighting ongoing military modernization efforts aimed at self-reliance despite a smaller defense budget compared to China. The event was marked by high public engagement, with tens of thousands of spectators and veterans attending, and included historic elements such as a torch procession and a 21-gun salute. Vietnam’s military reforms reflect a strategic imperative to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and build a modern defense ecosystem tailored to its unique needs. The parade also reinforced the importance of Vietnam's bilateral relations, especially with China, balancing national defense and diplomacy.