Major General and Associate Professor Dr. Pham Ngoc Lang believes that Vietnam needs to establish testing centers to develop and refine unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Associate Professor Dr. Pham Ngoc Lang is an expert in the fields of aerospace, remote sensing, and UAVs. He formerly served as Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and is currently the President of the Vietnam Aerospace Association (VASA).
Speaking to VnExpress, Mr. Lang noted that Vietnam faces a significant opportunity arising from the growth of the low-altitude economy; however, mastering this sector requires investment and the creation of a testing environment to foster the development of UAV products.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Ngoc Lang, President of the Vietnam Aerospace Association. Photo: Trong Dat
- How do you assess the potential for the development of Vietnam's low-altitude economy?
- There is currently no unified definition in Vietnam regarding the altitude limit for the low-altitude economy. However, in my view, this encompasses economic activities taking place at altitudes below 5,000 meters—an area where Vietnam needs appropriate management mechanisms and safety assurances.
At the World Economic Forum, scientists, investors, and major corporations have all acknowledged the immense room for growth in the global low-altitude economy; its scale is not limited to the $4.6 billion figure cited in some forecasts but could be many times larger.
The low-altitude economy is generating significant value and opening up numerous new opportunities. Vietnam is not sitting on the sidelines; we have made preparations so that when predictions regarding the low-altitude economy materialize, we can immediately implement them domestically.
- What opportunities will arise for Vietnam in this sector now that the Government has designated aerospace technology as a strategic technology?
- Aerospace is a highly advanced field that integrates various scientific disciplines; it is a sector we must focus on, as it represents a global spearhead industry.
Regarding UAVs, we need to look beyond the aircraft itself; the UAV is merely a vehicle. The data a UAV yields—and the technological value realized through its application—constitute the truly important foundation. UAVs assist us in gathering information, but processing, aggregating, and transforming that data into something useful for businesses, the public, and the nation is the essential task requiring significant investment.
- What capabilities has Vietnam mastered in UAV manufacturing?
- We have mastered quite a lot. About 17 years ago, we were assigned a task—which also marked the first State-level scientific project on UAVs. We subsequently developed six unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) models. The largest, named the HS-6L, features a 22-meter wingspan. It is powered by a Rotax 914 engine—similar to the one used in the US MQ-9 UAV—enabling a continuous flight time of 35 hours and a range of approximately 4,000 kilometers.
Fundamentally, we are capable of producing many components ourselves, such as the mechanical structures, control systems, and application-specific elements. Naturally, there are still components we cannot yet manufacture domestically and must import, such as engines and certain electronic parts.
Materials also constitute a critical component of UAVs and represent an area requiring continued investment.
- What difficulties and challenges have arisen in the process of mastering this technology?
- We face a shortage of scientific personnel. Many talented young people tend to gravitate toward sectors offering better conditions, such as finance and banking. Yet, those with strong mathematical aptitude and analytical minds should be encouraged to pursue basic science—a field that is demanding and time-consuming, but vitally important to the nation.
In the past, the income of scientific staff at research institutes was very low; some personnel returning from overseas studies started with a salary of only around 2.8 million VND. However, since the Politburo issued Resolution 57, the working conditions and morale of the intellectual workforce have improved significantly. They feel their contributions are recognized and have greater peace of mind when undertaking new initiatives.
In the aerospace sector, certain technologies and equipment are difficult to access, making research and development challenging. Consequently, scientists need support and an environment that empowers them to boldly "break barriers" and innovate.
The H-X2 UAV—a Vietnamese-developed unmanned aerial vehicle featuring an AI system for autonomous target search and engagement. Photo: Trong Dat
- So, what must be done to create favorable conditions for businesses and scientists?
- First, we need to address human resource requirements. Second, we need appropriate policy mechanisms. Third, we must protect those working in science and technology so they feel empowered to take bolder initiatives.
There are tasks that are extremely difficult to execute when constrained by excessive red tape. Perfecting a UAV model requires around 1,000 test flights, yet we currently lack the conditions to conduct them. Consequently, we are proposing the establishment of controlled testing centers—or "sandboxes"—where parties can bring their products for test flights to refine them.
Vietnam currently lacks such an environment, which hinders UAV development. However, we must also acknowledge the sensitivity of this issue and proceed with caution.
The growth of the low-altitude economy presents significant opportunities. Yet, to capitalize on them, we must rapidly develop the necessary workforce. We are mobilizing young intellectuals and training pilots to participate in this endeavor. Our goal is to foster a collaborative environment for joint research, application, design, and manufacturing, ultimately enabling us to gradually master aerospace products, equipment, and technological systems.
- As UAVs become widespread, should they be registered and managed like other forms of transport?
- It is highly advisable and necessary. Proper management improves the sector and enhances public safety. We have previously recommended to the authorities that each UAV be assigned a unique identifier.
Assigning identifiers to UAVs requires considering key specifications such as operating altitude, flight range, and payload capacity. In the future, it would also be highly beneficial to implement a system requiring UAVs to declare their identity upon takeoff. Strict management of UAVs does not mean bringing everything to a standstill. Flight registration can now be completed online, making the process far less cumbersome than before. However, the granting of permits must be subject to certain conditions. We need to train operators, manage the aircraft, and verify their safety.
Trong Dat
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