MAI presented promising developments at the Russia–Vietnam Scientific Forum

Photo: MAI Press Office / Archive

On September 9, Moscow Aviation Institute took part in the Russia–Vietnam Scientific Forum “Cooperation in Strategic Technologies”, one of the key events of the Russia–Vietnam Year of Science and Education.

The forum was attended by a high-level Vietnamese delegation led by To Lam, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Other participants included Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, Russian Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov, Vietnamese Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan, as well as representatives of research institutions and universities from both countries.

Cutting-Edge Developments

The main objective of the “Cooperation in Strategic Technologies” forum was to strengthen the partnership between Russia and Vietnam in the development of advanced technologies. Participants discussed promising areas of scientific and technological cooperation, exchanged expertise and achievements, and outlined new joint initiatives in research, innovation and the training of highly qualified researchers.

The two sides also signed an agreement on the implementation of joint research projects and agreed to expand the range of topics covered by joint research competitions. Another area of cooperation will be Vietnam’s participation in the Sixth Congress of Young Scientists, which will take place in Russia at the end of 2026.

At the forum, MAI showcased a number of innovative developments. Among them was a prototype of an unmanned cargo tiltrotor aircraft. The aircraft has a payload capacity of more than 500 kg and is capable of vertical take-off and landing as well as horizontal flight. It is equipped with eight motors, four of which are tiltable. Two engine nacelles with hybrid propulsion systems are integrated into the wing.

Photo: MAI Press Office / Archive

Another development presented by MAI was a tilting propulsion unit. This is a key component that enables an unmanned aircraft to transition between vertical and horizontal flight modes and back without compromising efficiency. The unit consists of electric motors, propellers, a motor-tilting mechanism and a speed controller.

MAI also presented a model of a space platform for a next-generation radar Earth observation system and a laboratory prototype of a 6U CubeSat small satellite developed as part of a joint educational programme between MAI and Khalifa University in the UAE. The satellite is equipped with a special antenna that enables long-distance signal relay and radar remote sensing of the Earth.

Strengthening Cooperation

More than 100 students from Vietnam are currently studying at MAI. Since 2005, the University has maintained cooperation with Le Quy Don Technical University. The most popular degree programmes among Vietnamese and other international students include Control in Technical Systems; Design, Production and Operation of Rocket and Space Systems; Aircraft Engines; Radioelectronic Systems and Complexes; and Information Systems and Technologies.

In December 2023, MAI joined the Russia–Vietnam Consortium of Technical Universities. In 2024, an academic mobility agreement was signed with Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT).

On September 7, 2026, an HCMUT delegation visited MAI to discuss further expansion of cooperation. MAI Rector, member of the Bureau of the Union of Machine Builders of Russia and Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Mikhail Pogosyan, and HCMUT President Mai Thanh Phong signed a protocol outlining plans to launch joint educational programmes designed to meet industry needs. These will focus on the maintenance of various types of aerospace systems, including UAVs and satellites, as well as winter and summer schools and professional education programmes.

In addition, on September 8, MAI welcomed a delegation from Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST), headed by its President Le Anh Tuan. During the meeting, the participants discussed joint educational programmes, academic mobility and the organisation of conferences.