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Country briefing: Vietnam - off the ground
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| 28 December 2005 |
Country briefing: Vietnam - off the ground
By Robert Karniol JDW Asia Pacific Editor
Bangkok
The Vietnam People's Army (VPA) began to emphasise a new defence posture in the early 1990s, with force development mirroring its priorities. This posture is characterised by lessened dependence on a large standing ground force together with enhancement of the navy and air force.
Most defence equipment was supplied by the former Soviet Union as military aid, averaging USD1.5 billion annually in the early 1980s. This support had virtually dried up by 1987 and ended in 1990, but Russia continues as Hanoi's main supplier through defence sales.
Other major sources of military equipment include the Czech Republic, India, France, Poland, Slovakia and Ukraine. Both Belarus and China's NORINCO have representative offices in Hanoi, suggesting some activity, and there has been at least one major arms deal with North Korea involving the acquisition of 'Scud' surface-to-surface missiles and Sang-o class mini-submarines. Belgium, Germany, Singapore, South Korea and the UK are among suppliers that have moved to penetrate Vietnam's defence market and Israel has also made some sales.
Modernisation
The army is today substantially smaller, though still a sizeable force, and remains primarily focused on the continental defence of Vietnam. Most of its equipment dates from the second Indochina war, with efforts continuing to keep this kit operational. There are nevertheless some modest modernisation initiatives evident.
In the area of armour, the army earlier in 2005 sought to acquire up to 150 main battle tanks (MBTs) from Polish Army stocks and a quantity of 40-year-old T-54/55 MBTs from Finland. Both deals are thought to still await finalisation and the army is meanwhile seeking to upgrade armour and systems on its own MBTs.
China's NORINCO has been providing Vietnam with ammunition for artillery and small arms, together with military vehicles, and has helped develop local manufacturing capabilities in ammunition and heavy machine guns. Slovenia sold Vietnam two pontoon bridges at USD9 million each in 2004 and, under a 2003 agreement, a Belgian supplier is helping the VPA upgrade a 7.62 mm ammunition production facility.
The special forces are known to have gained greater priority within the past 18 months, particularly in developing their counter-terrorism capabilities. Little is known of this activity beyond the acquisition of some Uzi-type assault rifles and sniper rifles from Croatia. A single armoured vehicle fitted with the MARS assault system pod has also been obtained from the US, while naval special forces bought a batch of rebreather systems of unknown origin in 1999 and were expected to obtain more.
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