Defense industry resources must be prioritized: Party chief

Logistics and technology would be paramount to meeting the needs of national defense, Trong said at the Central Military Commission’s sixth session on Monday.

He noted that the military had been implementing the Resolution of the Politburo on the development of the defense industry to 2030. He said results had been achieved in improving and producing modern weapons and equipment, as well as in enhancing the strength of Vietnam’s defense capabilities.

The defense industry is gradually ensuring self-reliance with modern weapons that are suitable for the art of combat, creating a foundation for building a modern military, meeting the requirements and tasks of defending the country in the current situation, according to the Party leader.

The Central Military Commission is tasked with leading the army to remain prepared with up-to-date plans for responses to non-traditional security challenges. In addition, the military must participate in preventing, combating and overcoming natural disasters to protect the people of Vietnam, Trong said.

The Party chief emphasized that it is necessary to improve the quality of training, exercises, qualifications and the combat readiness of the army.

The army also needs to continue to adjust its organization according to the defined roadmap while strengthening Party committees and organizations and ensuring that units are ready to perform tasks as soon as they are established. This creates a good foundation on which to build a lean, compact and strong army by 2025.

Trong also asked the army to further improve the efficiency of international integration and defense diplomacy.

He said it would be necessary to build a clean and strong Military Party Committee in order to be prepared to ensure safety during the country’s major holidays in 2024.

Such holidays include the 70th anniversary of the historic victory over the French at the battle of Dien Bien Phu, and the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam People’s Army.

The Party chief said Vietnam’s army is highly appreciated by international friends for sending forces to participate in earthquake disaster relief in Turkey as well as UN peacekeeping operations.