Boeing, the world's largest aircraft manufacturer, is not limited to civil aviation. It aims to expand its partnership with Vietnam in the defense sector as well.
During a press briefing on December 18 titled "Boeing in Vietnam and an Overview of Boeing’s Defense, Space, and Security Division," Dale McDowall, Vice President of Business Development for Southeast Asia in Boeing’s Defense, Space, and Security Division, expressed Boeing’s desire to invest in Vietnam and enhance defense cooperation.
Boeing representatives highlighted that, besides its modern commercial aircraft, the company provides helicopters, fighter jets, military aircraft, naval systems, and unmanned aerial systems. At the Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024, Boeing showcased leading military aircraft such as the ScanEagle, the H-47F Chinook Block II helicopter, the MH-139 Grey Wolf, and the Wave Glider unmanned vessel.
Boeing has engaged in discussions with Vietnam's Ministry of National Defense, and Ministry of Public Security, and met with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on the evening of December 18 to explore future collaboration plans aimed at modernizing Vietnam’s defense capabilities.
Regarding cooperation in the civil aviation sector, Michael Nguyen, Managing Director of Boeing Vietnam, noted that Boeing has been involved in Vietnam’s aviation industry for nearly 30 years, supporting both civil and defense aviation. Currently, Vietnamese airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, Bamboo Airways, and Vietravel Airlines are all partnered with Boeing.
Michael Nguyen further emphasized that in 2025, Boeing and other U.S. companies are eager to expand collaboration with Vietnam, contributing to the country’s economic, civil, and defense development. With strong support from the U.S. government, Boeing is expanding its presence in Vietnam, focusing on strengthening trade relations, developing the aviation supply chain, enhancing professional expertise, and promoting the aerospace industry.
“Last Friday, I was in Da Nang to attend the inauguration of a factory within Boeing’s supply chain. This factory was completed in record time since its groundbreaking in January 2024, showcasing Boeing’s commitment to helping Vietnam expand its aviation supply chain,” Michael Nguyen remarked.
Regarding plans to explore scaling up sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Boeing representatives noted Vietnam’s significant potential in SAF production, particularly with abundant raw materials in the Mekong Delta region. Boeing is working with Vietnamese authorities, airlines, and manufacturers to develop SAF for domestic consumption and export opportunities.
Although SAF is costly, Michael Nguyen explained that its price will decrease as production scales up, similar to solar and wind energy. Moreover, some countries now mandate the use of SAF for domestic airlines. For example, Vietnam Airlines faces additional charges when flying into Europe without SAF.
“Boeing is committed to supporting Vietnam’s adoption of SAF through joint efforts with the government and investors, ensuring a sustainable and economically viable green transition,” Michael Nguyen concluded.
