Is Vietnam’s Military Power Truly Among the World’s Strongest?
Vietnam’s military capabilities have garnered significant attention in recent years. According to GlobalFirePower, Vietnam’s military manpower is estimated at 5.85 million, with 600,000 active personnel, placing it seventh in Asia. Additionally, the Lowy Institute estimates that Vietnam’s defense expenditure in 2022 will surpass $14.2 billion, an exceptionally high amount for a developing country. This figure is twice as much as the defense budgets of the Philippines, Bangladesh, and North Korea combined. Such statistics indicate that Vietnam has a sizable military force, but the question arises: is this investment in military strength truly beneficial for a developing country like Vietnam? After all, investing heavily in the military often means neglecting other vital sectors that could potentially benefit its citizens more. Moreover, how does Vietnam’s military equipment compare with that of developed nations like India and China? To address these questions, we need to examine the scale, equipment, and future procurement plans of Vietnam’s military.
Structure and Size of Vietnam’s Military
Ground Forces
Let’s start with the Vietnam People’s Army Ground Forces. These forces are responsible for land defense and deploy tanks, land vehicles, self-propelled artillery, and rocket launchers. According to GlobalFirePower, Vietnam has approximately 2,029 tanks, 18,578 vehicles, 180 self-propelled artillery pieces, 700 towed artillery pieces, and 450 rocket launchers. Many of these ground forces’ equipments date back to the Soviet era, meaning that while some equipment is modern, the majority is either outdated or from previous decades, sourced mainly from Russia and occasionally from China.
One of the modern additions is the T-90S/SK main battle tank, recently delivered in 2019. This purchase was part of a 2016 contract aimed at enhancing Vietnam’s armored capabilities. The T-90S is renowned for its powerful Shtora defense system and comes equipped with Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armor and advanced turret missile defense systems. Approximately 64 T-90S tanks were delivered in two batches, replacing outdated Chinese Type 59 tanks and older Soviet-era T-54 tanks. The total cost of this deal was estimated at around $250 million.
In addition to the T-90S, Vietnam also operates older tanks like the T-54/55 and Type 59, which, despite being scheduled for replacement, were still reported to be in use as of 2021. Vietnam has around 850 T-54/55 tanks and 350 Type 59 tanks. Apart from tanks, the ground forces also operate several other vehicles, including the SS-1 Scud B/C/D, a Soviet tactical ballistic missile recently upgraded for improved range accuracy. The Scud B (R-17 Elbrus) and Scud C missiles have ranges of approximately 300 km and 500-600 km, respectively.
Navy
Next, let’s examine the Vietnam People’s Navy. Given Vietnam’s extensive coastline, the navy plays a crucial role in national defense. GlobalFirePower estimates that Vietnam has about 97 naval assets, including 9 frigates, 14 corvettes, 6 submarines, 54 patrol vessels, and 8 minesweepers.
The most notable of these are the Kilo-class submarines from Russia. Vietnam has acquired six advanced Kilo-class submarines as part of a $2 billion agreement signed in December 2009, which also included crew training. The submarines were constructed at Russia’s Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg, a facility with a long history of submarine and ship production. These Kilo-class submarines are known for their stealth, extensive operational range, and multi-role capabilities, including anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare. They are stationed at Vietnam’s major deep-water naval base in Cam Ranh Bay, highlighting their strategic importance.
Additionally, Vietnam operates the Gepard 3.9-class missile frigates, built by JSC Zelenodolsk Plant named after A.M. Gorky, designed for multi-role operations including anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare. They are also responsible for mine laying, escort duties, and patrolling the nation’s maritime borders and exclusive economic zones. Besides Russian vessels, Vietnam also received an Indian-made missile frigate, the INS Khukri, as a gift to strengthen defense cooperation between the two countries.
Air Force
Turning to the Vietnam People’s Air Force, it operates approximately 226 aircraft. This includes 41 fighter jets, 33 attack aircraft, 9 transport planes, 41 trainer aircraft, 3 special mission aircraft, and 99 helicopters. The most notable component of the air force is its fleet of Sukhoi fighter jets, including the Su-30MK2 multirole fighter. The acquisition of these aircraft began in 2009 with an initial order of eight Su-30MK2 jets valued at around $500 million. Subsequent orders included 20 additional jets, bringing the total to 32 by 2016.
In 2021, the air force acquired Beechcraft T-6 Texan II turboprop trainer/light attack aircraft from the United States. This purchase is one of the most significant U.S. defense deals with Vietnam since the lifting of a military embargo in 2016. There have also been discussions about the potential acquisition of F-16 fighters from the U.S., signaling a potential shift in defense procurement strategies and strengthening ties with Washington while complicating relations with Russia.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Vietnam is aiming to reduce its dependence on Russian weaponry. There have been reports of Vietnam planning to acquire 12 Su-57 aircraft from Russia, reflecting its long-standing relationship with Russian-made Sukhoi jets. However, the increasing dialogue about U.S. military sales to Vietnam indicates a possible shift in its procurement strategies. Despite this, Vietnam’s military remains heavily reliant on Russian technology.
In conclusion, Vietnam’s military is substantial and well-equipped, with a mix of modern and older technology. While its size and budget reflect a significant commitment to defense, the country faces the challenge of balancing military spending with investments in other critical sectors. The future of Vietnam’s military will likely involve navigating complex international relationships and adapting to evolving defense needs.
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