Hanoi, October 22, 2025 — The Europe Today: Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính on Tuesday emphasised the pivotal role of the Air Defence – Air Force as the frontline of Việt Nam’s national strategic defence, urging the force to establish a comprehensive defence posture to safeguard national airspace, ensure air security and order, and guarantee the safe and efficient operation of economic, tourism, and international trade activities.
The Prime Minister made the remarks while attending a ceremony in Hà Nội marking the 62nd founding anniversary of the Air Defence – Air Force (October 22, 1963 – October 22, 2025) and celebrating the conferment of the title Hero of the People’s Armed Forces, one of the highest honours bestowed by the Party and the State.
In his address, Prime Minister Chính commended generations of officers and soldiers for their remarkable achievements and steadfast dedication over the past six decades, congratulating the force on receiving this prestigious distinction.
He noted that the coming period will witness increasingly complex global and regional developments, including the heightened risk of modern warfare marked by the use of high technology, smart weapons, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), electronic warfare, and cyber operations.
“Recent conflicts have shown that air and missile attacks are often the primary spearheads of aggression. Therefore, the Air Defence – Air Force must remain at the forefront of our national strategic defence,” the Prime Minister stressed.
Calling on the force to maintain vigilance and strategic initiative, PM Chính urged it to stay firmly in control of the situation and avoid any element of surprise or passivity in protecting the nation’s airspace and sovereignty.
He also encouraged the Air Defence – Air Force to embrace scientific and technological innovation, accelerate digital transformation, and modernise its operations while upholding the spirit of vigilance, discipline, and resilience that defines its tradition.
The Prime Minister underscored the need for continued modernisation to ensure readiness to defend the nation “early and from afar.” He called for the building of a strong and exemplary Party organisation within the force, emphasising human capacity as the core source of strength and the preservation of its proud traditions as a revolutionary, disciplined, elite, and modern service.
PM Chính requested that the Air Defence – Air Force enhance its situational awareness and provide strategic advice on military and defence affairs, particularly in combat readiness. He also urged close coordination with the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defence to reinforce people’s air defence and strengthen the overall air combat capability of the entire army, forming a robust and unified defence posture.
He further instructed the force to draw lessons from historical wars of national defence and recent global conflicts to refine military theory, combat art, and tactical innovation, especially in protecting national sovereignty over seas and islands and preparing for the challenges of high-tech warfare.
Highlighting the importance of scientific and technological advancement, the Prime Minister called for breakthroughs in research, production, and mastery of advanced weaponry, including the integration of artificial intelligence and digital systems in command and combat operations. He also encouraged synchronised modernisation of weapon systems and greater self-reliance within the national defence industry.
Stressing the importance of airspace management and protection, PM Chính directed strict supervision and control of all civil and military flights, both domestic and international, to ensure the safety of political, economic, and defence centres.
He reiterated the need to accelerate the implementation of the “Sustainable Air Defence Shield” project, aimed at maintaining air security, ensuring flight safety, and supporting economic, tourism, and international exchange activities.
Concluding his remarks, Prime Minister Chính reminded the force to continue fulfilling its role as both a combat-ready army and a production army. He urged it to actively contribute to building a self-reliant and modern national aviation industry, enhance aviation infrastructure and services, and participate in technology research, application, and transfer to strengthen the aviation supply chain.
The Prime Minister also encouraged the Air Defence – Air Force to expand its role in defence enterprises, humanitarian activities, disaster relief, search and rescue, and poverty reduction, while deepening international cooperation and exchanges to elevate the global prestige of both the force and the Việtnam People’s Army.
