Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Le Minh Hung on July 2 called on the military to strengthen its strategic advisory role, improve long-term forecasting capacity and proactively prepare for emerging traditional and non-traditional security challenges in a rapidly evolving global and regional environment.
The remarks were made at a national political-military conference held in Hanoi by the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defence to review military and defence tasks in the first six months of 2026 and outline priorities for the remainder of the year.
According to a report presented at the conference, the armed forces have maintained a high level of combat readiness, closely monitored developments and provided timely advice to the Party and State in handling defence and security issues.
The military has closely integrated the fulfilment of military and defence tasks with socio-economic development; mobilised the strength of the entire political system and the people to build increasingly robust all-people national defence, military-region defence and defensive zones; strengthened inspection, surveillance and management of the country's airspace, maritime areas, borders, border gates, inland areas and cyberspace; and proactively, flexibly and effectively advanced international integration and defence diplomacy.
Addressing the event, PM Hung commended the entire army for its achievements despite growing uncertainties in the international and regional landscape. He said the military has made important contributions to safeguarding political and social stability, creating favourable conditions for socio-economic development and supporting the country’s long-term strategic objectives.
The Prime Minister noted that the military has demonstrated strong strategic awareness and responsiveness, accurately assessed developments, and effectively advised the Party and State on military and defence matters. These efforts, he said, have enabled the flexible and effective handling of emerging situations, maintained a proactive posture, prevented surprises and firmly safeguarded national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He also praised progress in building a streamlined, strong and modern army with high political steadfastness, strict discipline, professional competence and increasing technological mastery. The military, he added, has continued to advance science and technology, innovation and digital transformation, while achieving notable progress in defence industry development and contributing to the country’s two-digit economic growth goals.
Defence diplomacy continues to be carried out effectively, with the military making meaningful contributions to international forums, United Nations peacekeeping operations, search and rescue activities, and international humanitarian assistance. These efforts have further enhanced the image of the Vietnam People's Army as a professional, humane, capable and responsible force dedicated to maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world.
In particular, as an expression of profound gratitude and responsibility towards those who laid down their lives for the nation, the military has implemented the “500-day campaign” in a determined and effective manner, intensifying efforts to search for, recover and identify the remains of fallen soldiers.
For the coming period, the PM stressed that the world situation is expected to remain complex and unpredictable. He therefore urged the military to look further ahead, prepare earlier and provide deeper strategic advice, adding that it should not only assess military and defence developments but also anticipate broader economic, social and diplomatic impacts.
He called on the army to identify both traditional and non-traditional security risks, ensure that the country is not caught off guard strategically, and prevent external developments from triggering domestic crises.
PM Hung also stressed the need to continue building a revolutionary, regular, elite and modern military. He urged improvements in training, education and exercises, mastery of advanced weapons and equipment, and enhanced readiness for new forms of warfare.
The military must firmly safeguard sovereignty over waters, islands, borders, airspace, cyberspace and strategic infrastructure, while handling situations with principled determination, operational flexibility, sound legal foundations and proactive communications.
The Government leader further called for accelerated development of a self-reliant, dual-use and modern defence industry capable of becoming a spearhead sector of the national industrial base. Particular attention should be given to breakthroughs in science, technology and innovation, as well as international cooperation in defence industry development and human resources training.
He also underscored the importance of implementing policies for war veterans and martyrs’ families, organising meaningful activities marking the 79th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27), and continuing the nationwide campaign to search for, recover and identify the remains of fallen soldiers.
Expressing confidence in the military, the PM said the Vietnam People’s Army will continue to uphold its heroic traditions, successfully fulfil all assigned tasks and make greater contributions to national construction, development and defence in the years ahead./.
