Hanoi, March 25, 2025 – The Europe Today: Deputy Defence Minister General Phùng Sĩ Tấn, Deputy Commanding General of Homeland Affairs for US Army Pacific (USARPAC) Major General Lance Okamura, and US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper presided over the official handover ceremony of the Ba Vì Humanitarian Mine Action Demolition Training Range on Monday.
The newly established facility, valued at over US$700,000 and spanning more than two hectares, aims to strengthen Vietnam’s capacity in clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO). The event marks a significant milestone in the United States’ commitment to addressing war legacy issues and reinforcing the USARPAC-Vietnam Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) programme. The ceremony also coincides with the 30th anniversary of US-Vietnam diplomatic relations (1995-2025).
Deputy Defence Minister General Tấn emphasized that UXO contamination from past conflicts continues to pose a serious threat to the safety, health, and property of Vietnamese citizens, significantly hindering socio-economic development.
“Vietnam has made great strides in tackling UXO contamination, with large areas surveyed and cleared to facilitate production and economic growth. However, fully addressing the estimated 5.6 million hectares of suspected UXO contamination remains a formidable challenge, requiring extensive resources,” Tấn noted.
He further highlighted that cooperation in UXO clearance serves as a foundational pillar in strengthening the two countries’ ties, helping elevate bilateral relations to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation, and Sustainable Development.
Major General Okamura stated that “US Army Pacific, through the HMA programme, has supported Vietnam Mine Action Centre (VNMAC) demining efforts since 2016. The Ba Vì range provides VNMAC with a dedicated facility for explosive ordnance destruction training, instructor development, and operational management.”
The establishment of the Ba Vì Humanitarian Mine Action Demolition Training Range is expected to enhance Vietnam’s demining capacity, contributing to regional peace and security while fostering deeper cooperation between Vietnam and the United States.
