Vietnam - Thales' potential strategic partner in AI and cybersecurity development

Ahead of the French Tech Summit Vietnam 2025 Forum opening on May 27 in Ho Chi Minh City, VNA correspondent in France had an interview with Dr. Marko Erman, Head of Scientific Research Office, Thales Group, who affirmed that Vietnam has great potential to become an important link in the global technology supply chain, especially in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) applied to defense and cyber security.

Photo caption — Dr. Marko Erman, Head of Scientific Research Office, Thales Group. Photo: VNA

Emphasizing Thales' long-term relationship with the Vietnamese market over the past 30 years, Dr. Marko Erman expressed satisfaction at the fact that this relationship has so far always "pursued a long-term strategy, through cooperation with major Vietnamese companies such as VNPT, Viettel and FPT ".

Regarding the prospects for France-Vietnam cooperation, Mr. Erman expressed optimism that recent bilateral agreements, such as the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement signed between France and Vietnam, have established a favorable framework for technology investment activities. He commented: “Vietnam is in the process of comprehensive digital transformation and has ambitions to become an important technology player in Southeast Asia. The signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement between France and Vietnam in October 2024 opens the way for long-term cooperation in strategic areas, while emphasizing the common commitment to supporting Vietnam in realizing its technological ambitions.”

According to Mr. Erman, Thales has provided the Vietnamese armed forces with many leading technologies in the fields of anti-submarine warfare, surveillance radar and optoelectronics. Exchanges with the Vietnamese Ministry of Defense have been strengthened in recent years, "opening up positive prospects in the fields of air defense, anti-drone and naval defense".

Regarding the possibility of Vietnam joining Thales' global supply chain, Dr. Marko Erman said that "Vietnam's young and highly qualified workforce creates dynamism in research and development in AI and cybersecurity applications." He also said that Thales' AI computing platforms require specialized electronic components. Given Vietnam's orientation and expertise in the electronics sector, this could be a starting point in the supply chain.

Regarding Vietnam's capacity building, Dr. Erman recommends that Vietnam continue to promote the development of science disciplines related to information technology and throughout the entire university training system. In particular, he proposed "establishing basic training in artificial intelligence AI, which can be combined with more specialized technical training in defense equipment". According to him, building such a training program would be very useful. It is the combination of knowledge about AI and understanding of military applications that will help accurately grasp the specific requirements of AI in the defense sector.

He also stressed the importance of “investing in advanced research in machine learning and developing sophisticated algorithms, as these are essential to accelerating innovation in cybersecurity and defense.” In addition, he said that international exchange programs and internships at prestigious research centers around the world should be encouraged. This will help Vietnamese experts access the latest technological advances in key areas.

Proud of his group, Mr. Marko Erman said that Thales has been "working in the field of AI for critical systems for more than 30 years". The group has just launched an AI accelerator called CortAix, "bringing together 800 AI experts working on more than 100 specific use cases of AI for critical systems and especially defense". Regarding the relationship between AI and cybersecurity, Mr. Erman emphasized: "AI and cybersecurity are closely related: on the one hand, AI allows us to design more sophisticated and large-scale attacks, but in the defense field, AI also helps us to better predict attack patterns and detect weak signals of attacks more effectively than any other technique".

The French Tech Summit Vietnam 2025 event and the choice of "Year of Innovation" as the theme of cooperation between France and Vietnam will contribute to strengthening bilateral relations, especially in the field of high technology, in which Thales will participate in the forum with the theme "Inclusive AI: trustworthy, sovereign and safe". With more than 30 years of experience in researching and developing AI for critical systems, Thales Group is ready to expand cooperation with Vietnam in the context of this country's strong digital transformation.

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/cong-nghe/viet-nam-doi-tac-chien-luoc-tiem-nang-cua-thales-trong-phat-trien-ai-va-an-ninh-mang/20250527062843313

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