In a significant step toward addressing the lingering scars of war, Vietnam and the United States have inaugurated the Ba Vì Humanitarian Mine Action Demolition Training Range, a state-of-the-art facility aimed at bolstering Vietnam’s capacity to clear unexploded ordnance (UXO). The handover ceremony, held on March 25, 2025, in Hanoi, was presided over by Vietnam’s Deputy Defence Minister General Phùng Sĩ Tấn, US Army Pacific’s Deputy Commanding General for Homeland Affairs Major General Lance Okamura, and US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper. Valued at over US$700,000 and spanning more than 2 hectares, the facility marks a key milestone in the ongoing partnership between the two nations, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
A Persistent Threat from the Past
The legacy of the Vietnam War continues to cast a long shadow over the country, with UXO posing a persistent threat to lives, health, and property. General Tấn emphasized the scale of the challenge during the ceremony, noting that an estimated 5.6 million hectares of land across Vietnam remain suspected of UXO contamination. This vast area, equivalent to nearly 17% of the country’s total landmass, hinders socio-economic development and endangers rural communities who often encounter these deadly remnants while farming or building infrastructure. 
Over the decades, Vietnam has made significant strides in surveying and clearing contaminated areas, enabling agricultural production and economic growth in once-dangerous zones. However, the task remains daunting. Tấn highlighted the need for substantial resources and international cooperation to fully address the issue, describing the Ba Vì facility as a critical asset in this long-term effort. The training range, constructed in 2024 and designed to meet International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), will serve as a hub for specialized training in explosive handling, clearance operations, and demolition procedures under Vietnam’s National Programme 504.
Deepening US-Vietnam Ties
The Ba Vì project is not just a technical achievement but also a symbol of the evolving relationship between Washington and Hanoi. Since the normalization of diplomatic ties in 1995, addressing war legacy issues—ranging from UXO clearance to Agent Orange remediation—has been a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation. General Tấn underscored that such initiatives have paved the way for the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation, and Sustainable Development, reflecting a shared commitment to reconciliation and mutual benefit.
Major General Okamura echoed this sentiment, detailing the role of the US Army Pacific (USARPAC) in supporting Vietnam’s demining efforts through the Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) programme since 2016. “The Ba Vì range provides Vietnam Mine Action Centre (VNMAC) with a dedicated facility for explosive ordnance destruction training, instructor development, and operational management” he stated, emphasizing the practical impact of the facility on Vietnam’s capacity-building efforts. USARPAC’s involvement extends beyond this project, with plans for future collaboration in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief training, military medical support, and civil-military outreach programs.
US Ambassador Marc Knapper highlighted the broader implications of the partnership, pointing to Vietnam’s growing role on the global stage in UXO removal. “This effort demonstrates our shared goal of making America, Vietnam, and the world a safer place” he said, acknowledging the contributions of non-governmental organizations such as Norwegian People’s Aid, PeaceTrees Vietnam, Mines Advisory Group, and the Quảng Trị Mine Action Centre. These partners have played a vital role in advancing demining efforts, often working in remote and heavily contaminated areas to protect vulnerable communities.
The Human Cost of Unexploded Ordnance
Beyond the diplomatic and strategic dimensions, the issue of UXO in Vietnam is deeply personal for millions of citizens. Since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, tens of thousands of people have been killed or injured by leftover bombs, mines, and other ordnance. Children, in particular, are at risk, often mistaking these items for toys or scrap metal. The psychological toll on affected communities is immeasurable, as fear of hidden dangers restricts daily activities and limits access to arable land.
The Ba Vì facility aims to mitigate these risks by enhancing the skills of Vietnamese demining personnel. By providing a controlled environment for training in explosive ordnance disposal and operational management, the range will help ensure that clearance operations are conducted safely and efficiently. This, in turn, could accelerate the pace at which contaminated land is returned to productive use, offering a lifeline to rural economies and fostering a sense of security among local populations.
A Model for International Cooperation
The collaboration between Vietnam and the US on UXO clearance offers a potential model for addressing war legacies in other conflict-affected regions. Vietnam’s proactive engagement with international partners, coupled with its commitment to building domestic capacity, demonstrates how post-conflict recovery can be a shared endeavor. Ambassador Knapper’s remarks on Vietnam’s emerging role in global UXO removal suggest that the country could soon share its expertise with others facing similar challenges, further solidifying its position as a responsible member of the international community.
At the same time, the partnership underscores the importance of sustained funding and political will. While the US has invested millions of dollars in Vietnam’s demining efforts over the years, including the US$700,000 Ba Vì facility, the scale of the contamination requires ongoing support. Advocacy groups and NGOs have called for increased contributions from other nations and international bodies to complement existing programs, arguing that the burden should not fall solely on bilateral partners like the US.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Despite the optimism surrounding the Ba Vì handover, significant hurdles remain. Clearing 5.6 million hectares of suspected UXO contamination is a Herculean task that could take decades, even with advanced training and equipment. Logistical challenges, such as accessing remote areas during monsoon seasons, complicate operations, while the financial cost of sustained clearance efforts strains national budgets. General Tấn’s call for substantial resources reflects a broader need for innovative funding mechanisms, perhaps involving private sector partnerships or international donor conferences.
Moreover, the success of facilities like Ba Vì depends on their integration into a comprehensive national strategy. Vietnam’s National Programme 504, which guides UXO clearance efforts, must prioritize community engagement to ensure that local needs and knowledge inform operations. Past initiatives have sometimes faced criticism for insufficient consultation with affected populations, leading to mistrust or inefficiencies. Ensuring that VNMAC and its partners maintain transparent communication with rural communities will be essential to maximizing the impact of the new training range.
On the US side, the partnership with Vietnam offers an opportunity to reinforce its commitment to addressing historical grievances while strengthening strategic ties in the Indo-Pacific region. As geopolitical tensions rise, particularly in the South China Sea, cooperation on humanitarian issues like UXO clearance serves as a reminder of the potential for constructive dialogue, even between former adversaries. The trust built through such initiatives could pave the way for deeper collaboration on other pressing issues, from climate change adaptation to regional security.
Looking to the Future
As the Ba Vì Humanitarian Mine Action Demolition Training Range begins operations, it stands as a testament to the power of reconciliation and shared purpose. For Vietnam, the facility represents a step closer to reclaiming land and lives from the shadow of war. For the United States, it reflects a commitment to righting historical wrongs while building a partnership rooted in mutual respect. Yet, as both nations celebrate this milestone, the vast expanse of contaminated land serves as a sobering reminder of the work still ahead. How this collaboration evolves in the coming years may well shape not only the landscape of Vietnam but also the trajectory of US-Vietnam relations in an increasingly complex world.
