Party chief tells defense ministry to prepare for hi-tech wars

At a national military-political conference Tuesday, he said the use of high-tech weapons and remote wars are becoming common, bringing new and urgent defense requirements.

He called for innovations and improvements in training to respond to new combat situations, bolstering the use of technology and developing a modern military industry that is capable of designing and making high-tech weapons and equipment.

The Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense must also improve their capabilities for forecasting and planning to preclude the risks of conflicts as well as border and territorial issues, especially in the East Sea, he said.

“Recognize, respond to and deal with military partners and targets timely, properly and flexibly, prevent risks of conflicts and confrontations, avoid isolation and dependence, and do not pick sides,” he told military units.

Nguyen Tan Cuong, chief of the general staff of the People’s Army and deputy defense minister, said the army has organized several drills this year to increase its combat readiness.

The ministry would continue to improve the military’s combat capabilities and maintain combat preparedness, he said.

In 2023 the ministry would deploy new teams of military engineers and field hospitals for UN peacekeeping missions, among other tasks, he added.