SAIGONTEL and Pickaxe sign Vietnam unmanned systems cooperation pact
The partners plan manufacturing, testing and training capabilities for civilian and commercial uses, with projects subject to regulatory approval.
Vietnam’s Saigon Telecommunication & Technologies Corporation (SAIGONTEL) and US-based Pickaxe Technologies have signed a memorandum of understanding to help develop the country’s unmanned and autonomous systems industry. The agreement covers civilian and commercial uses.
Signed at Open Innovation Day 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City, the framework spans manufacturing, system testing and certification, workforce development, and research. The partners aim to build domestic technical capabilities and help Vietnamese businesses gain a greater role in international technology supply chains.
As the Vietnamese lead partner, SAIGONTEL will identify possible locations and supporting infrastructure, including its industrial parks and telecommunications assets. It will coordinate with local authorities, companies and research institutions, and oversee applications for licences and approvals.
Pickaxe will prepare technical plans and operating models, bring in technology partners and suppliers, and design programmes for testing and training. It also plans to seek investment from US and international sources.
The companies also aim to create a Southeast Asian location for international firms to validate unmanned and autonomous systems. Cooperation requires approval from the relevant authorities and compliance with both countries’ laws, including export-control rules.
The next step is a detailed low-altitude economy project proposal for central and local authorities in Vietnam. It is expected to address sites, infrastructure, partners, financing and implementation. A joint working group will coordinate the effort, while individual projects will require separate formal agreements.
