The top leader made the remarks while chairing the second conference of the Central Military Commission for the 2025–2030 term in Hanoi on June 24, which reviewed military and defence tasks in the first half of 2026 and outlined priorities for the remainder of the year.

Early risk detection key to national defence

Addressing the conference, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam stressed that protecting the nation “from an early stage and from afar” must begin with the ability to identify risks early, anticipate developments and take timely action.

He urged the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defence to further improve strategic research and forecasting capabilities, alongside proactively monitoring both traditional and non-traditional security challenges, including threats in cyberspace.

The Vietnamese military was also instructed to maintain a high level of combat readiness, strengthen the management of airspace, maritime areas, borders, inland territories and cyberspace, and firmly safeguard national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests.

Accelerating military modernisation through technology

Highlighting the need to modernise the armed forces, the top leader called for major breakthroughs in building a revolutionary, regular, elite and modern military based on science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.

He underscored the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence (AI), big data and simulation technologies, while continuing research and development efforts aimed at mastering dual-use technologies serving both defence and civilian purposes.

In addition, he requested reforms in political and ideological work within the military, shifting from traditional communication approaches toward more effective awareness and perception management.

The leader also stressed the importance of safeguarding the Party’s ideological foundation and maintaining political cohesion across the armed forces.

In addition, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam urged continued efforts to strengthen Party organisations within the military and develop a contingent of officers and Party members with strong political commitment, innovative thinking and a sense of responsibility in serving national interests.

He also called on the military to continue playing a core role in strengthening all-people national defence and public security, conducting defence exercises, responding to non-traditional security challenges, and participating in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance operations both domestically and internationally.

Positive results in first half of 2026

At the conference, the Central Military Commission reported that the armed forces had successfully fulfilled many key tasks during the first six months of 2026.

Military and defence agencies effectively advised the Party and State on defence and security matters, helping maintain strategic stability and avoid unexpected security situations.

Military restructuring and modernisation efforts continued to advance, with progress in force organisation, training, education, human resource development, cybersecurity and digital transformation.

Party organisations throughout the military also intensified Party-building efforts, promoted the values associated with the image of “Uncle Ho’s Soldiers,” strengthened anti-corruption measures and maintained discipline and unity.

International integration and defence diplomacy activities were carried out proactively and effectively through both bilateral and multilateral channels, contributing to confidence-building, regional stability and Vietnam’s strategy of safeguarding the nation from an early stage and from afar.