During the First Indochina War (1946–1954), Vietnam War (1955–1975), Cambodian–Vietnamese War (1977–1989), Sino-Vietnamese War (1979) and the Sino-Vietnamese conflicts 1979– 1991 (1979–1991), the Vietnam People's Ground Force relied almost entirely on Soviet-derived weapons and equipment systems. With the end of the Cold War in 1992 Soviet military equipment subsidies ended and Vietnam began the use of hard currency and barter to buy weapons and equipment.Vietnam prioritizes economic development and growth while maintaining defense spending. The government does not conduct procurement phases or major upgrades of weapons. From the end of the 1990s the Government of Vietnam has announced the acquisition of a number of strategic systems equipped with modern weapons. Accordingly, Vietnam has been slow to develop naval and air forces to control shallow waters and its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Currently most defense procurement programs focus on remedying this priority. For example, Vietnam has purchased a number of combat aircraft and warships with the capability to operate in high seas. Vietnam also plans to develop its defense industry, with priority placed on the Navy, combined with assistance from its former communist allies, India, and Japan.[1] [2] [3]
Since 2015, Vietnam has begun exploring purchases of U.S. and European weapons while facing numerous political, historical, and financial barriers, as they cannot continue to rely on Soviet and Chinese weapons especially due to the increasing tensions in the South China Sea dispute.[4]
Image | Name | Type | Variant | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Modular Integrated Communications Helmet | Combat Helmet | Vietnamese copy. Used by People's Army of Vietnam Special Forces, police, and infantry soldiers. Manufactured locally at Factory Z176.[5] | ||||
Type High Cut Helmet | Combat Helmet | Vietnamese copy. Used by People's Army of Vietnam Special Forces, police, and future infantry soldiers. Manufactured locally at Factory Z176.[6] | ||||
PASGT Helmet | Combat Helmet | Limited use with Special Forces, Border Guards, and the Navy. They are gradually replacing older helmets in all branches of the Army. Most helmets are a Vietnamese-made version of the PASGT Helmet. Earlier models were imported from Israel.[7] [8] | ||||
Type A2 Helmet | Combat helmet | The PAVN's standard issue bump shell is a hard plastic replica of the PASGT helmets. It is used for training exercises and combat drill. | ||||
Vietnamese Pith Helmet | Helmet | Traditional standard issue hard hat, used as the army's utility and barracks cover. Commonly worn by enlisted members with their dress uniforms and during light training. | ||||
Utility Cover | Kepi | Standard issue soft cover, consisting of a four-point front panel and an elastic backstrap. The cap's camouflage print is worn matching with field fatigues during patrols. | ||||
SSh-68 | Combat Helmet | Limited use. | ||||
SSh-40 | Combat Helmet | Limited use. | ||||
M1 Helmet | Combat Helmet | Limited use. | ||||
Night vision | Night-vision device | Vietnam | Used by People's Army of Vietnam Special Forces.[9] | |||
MV5 | Gas Mask | Vietnam |
Image | Name | Type | Variant | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AG K51T Body Armour | Body armor | Vietnam | Been introduced in International Army Game's exhibition. | |||
AG K53T Body Armour | Body armor | Vietnam | Been introduced in International Army Game's exhibition.[10] | |||
7.62 K56 Body Armour | Body armor | Vietnam | Been introduced in International Army Game's exhibition. | |||
AG17 | Body armor | Vietnam | ||||
Body Armour | Body armor | Vietnam | Limited use. NIJ level III.[11] | |||
Body Armour | Body armor | Vietnam | Modern battle uniform for standard Vietnamese infantry. It will be standard issue in the future. Manufactured at the Z176 factory.[12] | |||
Combat Leather Pads | Knee Pads & Elbow Pads | Vietnam | Standard Issued along with the new K20 military uniform.[13] | |||
Marom Dolphin Fusion System | Body armor | Israel | Used by People's Army of Vietnam Special Forces.[14] | |||
Flak jacket | Body armor | United States | Limited use by some infantry and anti-riot units |
Image | Name | Type | Variant | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
K-07 Woodland | Camouflage pattern | Replaced as the standard camo for ground forces by the K-17 Woodland. There are multiple variants of this Woodland camo in terms of slight differences in colors. Commonly used on training fatigues.[15] [16] | ||||
K-17 Woodland | Camouflage pattern | Former standard-issue camouflage for ground forces. Similar coloration to the K-07, there are also multiple variants for the other branches of the military.[17] [18] Replaced by the K-20 and observed limited usage since 2020s. | ||||
K-17 Multi-Terrain | Camouflage pattern | Used by Vietnamese forces deployed in arid and desert environment. Based on Multicam color schemes. Seen with Vietnamese troops undergoing peacekeeping missions in South Sudan with the United Nations. | ||||
K20 Pattern K21 Field Uniform | Camouflage pattern | Standard issue as of 2021, the PAVN's K20 camouflage pattern was developed with more subdued coloration. The new uniform will consist of 5 different variants for each branches of service: Ground Forces, Border Guard, Air Defence - Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard. | ||||
Modified Duck Hunter Pattern | Camouflage pattern | Used by People's Army of Vietnam Special Forces. Replaced by the Ground Forces-colored K20 camouflage. | ||||
Thermal imaging anti-reconnaissance clothing | Camouflage pattern | Used by People's Army of Vietnam Special Forces. Been introduced in International Army Games's exhibition. | ||||
U.S. Woodland | Camouflage pattern | Limited use. Most commonly seen on old vests mix-matched with K07 uniform or K20 | ||||
Ghillie suit | Ghillie suit | Used by the snipers and People's Army of Vietnam Special Forces, manufactured locally. Been introduced in International Army Games's exhibition. |
Image | Model | Type | Variant | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ITL MARS | Red dot sight | Mounted on Uzi, AKM-1, IWI Tavor. | ||||
Meprolight M21 | Red dot sight | Mounted on Uzi, AKM-1, IWI Tavor, STV Rifles and IWI ACE | ||||
Aimpoint PRO | Red dot sight | ![]() | Mounted on STV Rifles.[19] | |||
Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight | Telescopic sight | ![]() | Mounted on Special Operations Assault Rifle, Tara TM4 rifle. Limited uses within Military Marksman Demonstration Team.[20] | |||
Aimpoint CompM4 | Red dot sight | ![]() | Mounted on AKM-1, limited use.[21] | |||
NL-91 | Night vision sight | NL-92 | Vietnam | Mounted on Uzi, AKM-1, IWI Tavor, STV Rifles and IWI ACE.[22] | ||
OPL40M | Grenade launcher | SPL40 | 40 mm Grenade Launcher. Standard issue grenade launcher accompanying the STV-380 rifles. | |||
M203 | Grenade launcher | | 40 mm Grenade Launcher. Replaces the trigger for a lever. Mounts on the Galil ACE 32, STL-1A, M18, M16A2 and TAR-21.[23] Manufactured locally as the T-40 at the Z111 Factory. | |||
Weapon accessory | Used by the People's Army of Vietnam Special Forces and Mobile Police Force.[24] [25] |
Image | Model | Type | Caliber | Variant | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Semi-automatic pistol | Limited use in the army and police, they are being manufactured to slowly replace the K54 and K14VN pistols. Manufactured locally at the Z111 Factory.[26] [27] | ||||||
Semi-automatic pistol | 9x19 Parabellum | Used by People's Army of Vietnam Special Forces and Mobile Police Forces.[28] | |||||
Semi-automatic pistol | Glock 19 Glock 34 SN-VN | ![]() | Used by People's Army of Vietnam Special Forces and Mobile Police Forces.The SN-VN is a domestic copy. | ||||
Makarov pistol | Semi-automatic pistol | 9×18mm Makarov | Type 59 K59 (SN9) | | Used by police officers. Limited use in the army. Manufactured locally as the K59.[29] | ||
Semi-automatic pistol | Used by police officers. Limited use in the army. | ||||||
K14VN | Semi-automatic pistol | 7.62×25mm Tokarev | TT-33 Type 54/K54 | | Standard issue service pistol (K14NV) used alongside the K54. This model is equipped with a longer barrel, and a double-stack magazine that holds an increased capacity of 13 rounds.[30] [31] Manufactured locally at the Z111 Factory. Standard issue service pistol. Manufactured locally as the K54 (from the Type 54 Chinese TT-33 copy), now being phased out by the new domestic K14VN. | ||
Semi-automatic pistol | 7.62×25mm Tokarev .45 ACP | | Captured US M1911A1s in .45 ACP used by the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese Army during Vietnam War. Locally manufactured copies chambered in 7.62×25mm Tokarev. |
Image | Model | Type | Caliber | Variant | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
STV | Assault rifle | 7.62×39mm | STV-215 STV-380 | Standard issue rifle. The STV-215 is the carbine version of the STV-380, it has a barrel length of 215 mm.[32] [33] Developed and manufactured at the Z111 Factory. | |||
Galil ACE | Assault rifle | 7.62×39mm | | The domestically made version has the charging handles located on the right side similar to traditional AK-47s. They have been replaced as the standard-issue rifle by the domestically manufactured STV-215/STV-380. The majority of them may have been transferred to Laos and since then rarely spotted in Vietnamese service.[34] [35] [36] Manufactured at the Z111 Factory. | |||
AKM | Assault rifle | AKMS AKM-1 AKn | | Old models are being converted to domestic AKM-1/AKn plasticized refurbishment. Succeeded and replaced as the standard-issue rifle by the STV-215/STV-380.[37] [38] Manufactured locally with some new detail.[39] | |||
Type 56 | Assault rifle | 7.62×39mm | | Limited use. Refurbished to become AKn-equivalent and replaced as the standard-issue rifle by the STV-215/STV-380. | |||
AK-47 | Assault rifle | 7.62×39mm | | Limited use. | |||
IWI Tavor TAR-21 | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | | Used by People's Army of Vietnam Special Forces and Naval Infantry. Manufactured locally. | |||
M16A1 | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | M16A2 CAR-15 | M16A1 and XM16E1 is used by Militia Forces in southern provinces. Upgraded and manufactured locally as the M16A2VN base on M16A1 and M18 with new stock and Picatinny rail.[40] M16A2 used by Coast Guard in small numbers. Used by People's Army of Vietnam Special Forces, Naval Infantry, and Coast Guard. Converted locally as the M18 at the Z111 Factory. | |||
Special Operations Assault Rifle | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | Use in Military Marksman Demonstration Team. | ||||
CZ 805 BREN | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | Use in Military Marksman Demonstration Team. | ||||
FN FNC | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | Use in Military Marksman Demonstration Team. | ||||
Tara TM4 Assault rifle | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | Use in Military Marksman Demonstration Team. |
Image | Model | Type | Caliber | Variant | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PP-19 Bizon | Submachine gun | 9×19mm Parabellum | | Used by People's Army of Vietnam Special Forces. The locally produced version comes with a Galil-style stock, and is chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum.[41] Manufactured locally as the SN9P at the Z111 Factory. | |||
MP5 | Submachine gun | 9×19mm Parabellum | MP5A3 MP5K-A4 | Used by Mobile Police Command. A domestic copy has picatinny rails. | |||
Uzi Pro | Submachine gun | 9×19mm Parabellum | | Used by People's Army of Vietnam Special Forces and Naval Special Operation Force. Manufactured locally at the Z111 Factory.[42] | |||
9×19mm Parabellum | Used by People's Army of Vietnam Special Forces. Manufactured locally at the Z111 Factory. | ||||||
CZ Scorpion Evo 3 | Submachine gun | Use in Military Marksman Demonstration Team. | |||||
STV-022 | Submachine gun | 7.62×39mm | Derivative of the STV rifle. Used by bodyguard unit under the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army and other units. |
Image | Model | Type | Caliber | Variant | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Remington Model 870 | Shotgun | 12 Gauge | |||||
Armsel Striker | Combat shotgun | 12 Gauge | Limited use.[43] |
Image | Model | Type | Caliber | Variant | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IWI Galatz | Sniper rifle | 7.62×51mm NATO | Used by People's Army of Vietnam Special Forces and Naval Infantry. Manufactured locally at the Z111 Factory.There is a domestic copy of the SR-99. | ||||
Used by the People's Army of Vietnam Special Forces and Mobile Police Force. | |||||||
| Used by the People's Army of Vietnam Special Forces and Mobile Police Force. | ||||||
| Used by Naval Special Operation Force and Naval Infantry. Manufactured locally at the Z111 Factory.[44] | ||||||
OSV-96 | Anti-materiel rifle | 12.7×108mm | | Used by People's Army of Vietnam Special Forces. Manufactured locally at the Z111 Factory.[45] There is a domestic copy. | |||
KSVK | Anti-materiel rifle | 12.7×108mm | SBT12M1[46] | | Used by People's Army of Vietnam Special Forces. Manufactured locally at the Z111 Factory as the SBT12M1. | ||
Sniper rifle | Used by People's Army of Vietnam Special Forces.There is a domestic copy. | ||||||
WKW Wilk | Anti-materiel rifle | .50 BMG | +50 examples were bought.[47] |
Image | Model | Type | Caliber | Variant | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IWI Negev | Light machine gun | 5.56×45mm NATO | | Manufactured locally at the Z111 Factory. | |||
FN Minimi Mk3 | Light machine gun | 5.56×45mm NATO | Limited use in People's Army of Vietnam Special Forces, Vietnam People's Navy, and Military Marksman Demonstration Team.[48] | ||||
FN MAG | General-purpose machine gun | 7.62×51mm NATO | Limited use by Military Marksman and Demonstration Team.[49] | ||||
M60 | General-purpose machine gun | 7.62×51mm NATO | Used by PAVN. Limited use. | ||||
Mk 21 Mod 0 | Medium machine gun | 7.62×51mm NATO | Limited use. | ||||
RPD | Light machine gun | 7.62×39mm | Standard issue machine gun. Manufactured locally. | ||||
RPK | Light machine gun | 7.62×39mm | Standard issue machine gun. Manufactured locally. | ||||
PKM | General-purpose machine gun | 7.62×54mmR | | Standard issue machine gun, Manufactured locally as ĐL7N. | |||
NSV | Heavy machine gun | 12.7×108mm | | Standard issue tank-mounted machine gun. Manufactured locally at the Z111 Factory.[50] [51] Replacing the DShK. | |||
KPV | Heavy machine gun | 14.5×114mm |
Image | Model | Type | Caliber | Variant | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
STA-50 | Light mortar | 50 mm Mortar | Vietnam | Silenced Mortar. Manufactured locally at the Z117 Factory.[52] | |||
M2 mortar | Infantry mortar | 60 mm Mortar | |||||
M1 mortar | Infantry mortar | 81 mm Mortar | |||||
M29 mortar | Infantry mortar | 81 mm Mortar | |||||
82-PM-41 | Mortar | 82 mm Mortar | |||||
M1938 | Mortar | 107 mm Mortar | |||||
PM-43 | Mortar | 120 mm Mortar | |||||
M1943 | Mortar | 160 mm Mortar |
Image | Model | Type | Caliber | Variant | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AGS-17 | Automatic grenade launcher | 30×29mm Grenade | SPL-17 | | Standard issue. Manufactured locally at the Z125 Factory as the SPL-17. | ||
Milkor MGL | Grenade launcher | 40×46mm Grenade | MGL-VN1 | | Used by People's Army of Vietnam Special Forces. Manufactured locally as the MGL-VN1.[53] | ||
M79 | Grenade launcher | 40×46mm Grenade | SPL40 | | Standard issue. Manufactured locally at the Z125 Factory as the SPL40.[54] |
Image | Model | Type | Caliber | Variant | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rocket-propelled Grenade (RPG) | |||||||
RPG-7V | Rocket-propelled grenade | 40 mm HEAT | RPG7V-VN | | Internally codenamed B-41. Manufactured locally as RPG7V-VN or SCT-7. | ||
M72 LAW | Anti-tank weapon | 66 mm HEAT | |||||
MATADOR | Anti-armour | 90 mm anti-armour | Used by Naval Infantry Force. | ||||
Only for chemical forces. | |||||||
RPG-29 | Rocket-propelled grenade | 105 mm HEAT | SCT-29 | | Manufactured locally under the name of SCT-29.[55] [56] | ||
Wire-guided SACLOS missile | 120 mm HEAT | | Locally manufactures an upgraded 9P135 launcher.[57] The launcher includes a day/night sight, laser rangefinder, remote control abilities, etc. | ||||
9M14 Malyutka (AT-3 Sagger) | Wire-guided SACLOS missile | 125 mm HEAT | 9M14P1-2F 9M14P1-2T CTVN-18 | | Manufactured locally under license from Serbia version with improved semi-automatic command to line of sight guidance.The domestic copy is known as the CTVN-18.CTVN-18 able to pierce up to 750-800 mm of RHA. Not as powerful as 9M14P1-2T, which can pierce 1,000 mm of RHA. | ||
9M113 Konkurs (AT-5 Spandre) | Wire-guided SACLOS missile | 135 mm HEAT | | The upgraded 9P135M launcher also used for the 9M133 Konkurs.The Center for Precision Mechanical Technology hints at being capable of developing critical parts of the new generation of anti-tank missile. | |||
Recoilless Rifle | |||||||
SPG-9 | 73 mm HEAT | | Manufactured locally as SPG-9T2. | ||||
B-10 | Anti-tank recoilless rifle | 82 mm HEAT | | Manufactured locally as the DKZ82-B10 VN or B10VN for short. It's more similar to a Type 65 recoilless rifle. |
Image | Model | Type | Variant | Quantity | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
T-90S | Main battle tank | T-90SK | 64[59] | The T-90SK is the commander's version. | |||
T-54/55 | Main battle tank | Type-59 T-54M/55M[60] | 850 (-410)[61] 350 410 | | Currently around 310 T-54/55 tanks undergo refits and upgrades to Vietnamese/Israeli T-54M3/55M3 modernized program at Z153 factory. As of January 2024, 100 tanks have been upgraded to the T-54M3/55M3 standard in stage 1. The T-54M3/55M3 is an upgraded variant of the T-54/55 that's equipped with a Fire Control System, new 1000 hp engine, and locally manufactured Explosive Reactive Armor. Armed with a 100 mm D-10T2S rifled cannon, 7.62 mm PKT, and 12.7 mm DShKM / NSV. Vietnam is now capable of domestically producing its own FCS. The domestic FCS bares a striking resemblance to the TIFCS-3BU FCS from Indra that's produced in Spain. | ||
T-62 | Main battle tank | T-62 | 70[62] | ||||
PT-76 | Amphibious Light tank | PT-76 | 300 | 76.2 mm D-56T series rifled tank gun. | |||
Type-63 | Amphibious Light tank | Type-63 | 150[63] | Called PT-85 in local service because of its 85 mm gun, similar to the PT-76. | |||
T-34 | Medium tank | T-34 | 45[64] | Used only for training and coastal defense. 76.2 mm tank gun. |
Image | Model | Type | Variant | Quantity | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BMP-1 | Infantry fighting vehicle | BMP-1 | 300[65] | ||||
BMP-2 | Infantry fighting vehicle | BMP-2 | |||||
BMP-1VN (XCB-01) | Infantry fighting vehicle | (+18) | The XCB-01 is a Vietnamese domestic copy and modification of the BMP-1 and BMP-2. It features domestically a produced 2A28 Grom gun with upgraded gun sights and a magazine system, FCS system, laser rangefinder, thermal sight, dual channel day/night sight, IR warning receivers, and auto deploying smoke grenades. The hull is 6.97 meters in length, 2.68 meters in height and weighs 14.78 tons. Info about armor composition and thickness is unknown but it may be as thick or thicker than what is equipped on the BMP-1/2. The hull is noticeably more angular compared to the BMP-1/2 and that choice may be due to ease of manufacturing. The engine will be replaced by DOOSAN DL-08 from South Korea which is heavier, longer in width, and more powerful (321 hp). Also amphibious. Armament is the same as everything on the BMP-1, but could include up to 4 CTVN-18 (domestic Malyutka). Prototype being built at Z189 shipyard and Z125 factory. |
Image | Model | Type | Variant | Quantity | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Armored Personnel Carriers (Wheeled) | |||||||
GAZ-59037A | Wheeled armoured personnel carrier | Used in natural disaster rescue and response missions.[66] | |||||
BTR-40 | Wheeled armoured personnel carrier | 1,100[67] | |||||
BTR-60 | Wheeled armoured personnel carrier | Used by both Army and Naval Marines. | |||||
BTR-152 | Wheeled armoured personnel carrier | Being upgraded with new diesel engine.[68] One is converted to an armored ambulance to support the field hospital in Bentiu, South Sudan, as a part of the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan. | |||||
XTC-02 | Wheeled armoured personnel carrier | 4x4 APC that can carry a driver, commander, and 10 other people; 12 people in total. Seems to be amphibious and might include a remote controlled weapons station.[69] | |||||
Wheeled armoured personnel carrier | Leaked photo showed a document of a proposed 8x8 APC. The APC somewhat resembles the BTR-60. | ||||||
Armored Personnel Carriers (Tracked) | |||||||
MT-LB | Armoured personnel carrier | Was seen used by artillery troops preparing for the 2020 International Army Games.[70] | |||||
BTR-50PK | Armoured personnel carrier | 280[71] | |||||
M113 | Armoured personnel carrier | 200 | Equipped with DShK or NSVT 12.7 mm heavy machine gun and sometimes with the SPG-9. 1970s photos show M40 recoilless rifles from capture. | ||||
M106 mortar carrier | Mortar carrier | Self-propelled 107 mm mortars сaptured in the Vietnam War. | |||||
Type 63 | Armoured personnel carrier | 80 |
Image | Model | Type | Variant | Quantity | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dongfeng EQ2050 | Military light utility vehicle | Used by Engineers at United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei. | |||||
Cadillac V-100 | Armoured scout car | Upgraded by the Military Mechanical Engineering Institute with assistance from Z751 factory to replace old and worn out parts after Vietnam was reunified with American-made weapons replaced with Russian-based weapons.[72] [73] Acquired through capturing them in the Vietnam War.[74] | |||||
BRDM-2 | Armoured scout car | 50[75] |
Image | Model | Type | Variant | Quantity | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
D-44 | 85 mm field gun | PTH85D44-VN18 | | The D-44 may be put into reserves soon as the ammunition it uses is unconventional and not standardized. The production of this ammo type will cease in the future and so will the service of the D-44.The PTH85D44-VN18 is a mobile artillery unit that contains a D-44 artillery gun mounted on a Ural-375 6x6 truck. This may just be a prototype that never went into full production. | |||
D-30 | 122 mm towed howitzer | PTH122 | | While the current number in service is unclear, the Soviet Union provided 50 pieces of the D-30 in 1974.[76] Some may have been taken out of service over the years.The PTH122 is domestic self-propelled artillery prototype. | |||
M-46 | 130 mm field gun | Type 59 PTH130-K225B | | While the current number in service is unclear, the Soviet Union provided 519 pieces of the M-46 from 1968 - 1973. Some were most likely lost in combat or taken out of service over the years.The PTH130-K225B is domestic self-propelled artillery prototype. | |||
D-20 | 152 mm towed gun-howitzer | While the current number in service is unclear, the Soviet Union provided 500 pieces of the D-20 from 1966 - 1970. Some were most likely lost in combat or taken out of service over the years. |
Image | Model | Type | Variant | Quantity | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2S1 Gvozdika | 122 mm self-propelled artillery | ||||||
2S3 Akatsiya | 152 mm self-propelled artillery | 30[77] | |||||
K9 Thunder | 155 mm self-propelled artillery | (+108) | Vietnam is in talks with South Korea to acquire the K9 Thunder Self-propelled Howitzer to replace its aging mobile artillery fleet.[78] |
Image | Model | Type | Variant | Quantity | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BM-21 | 122 mm multiple rocket launcher | 350 | | Received modernization. Launcher can be aimed digitally along with other digitalization upgrades. Monitor displays type of ammunition selected.Can maintenance the rockets of the BM-21. | |||
BM-14 | 140 mm multiple rocket launcher | BM-14MM----BM-14-17M | <100[79] | 100 launchers exported from the USSR in 1965-1966 period.[80] [81] | |||
ACCULAR | 122–160 mm rocket artillery | 40 km range, used for coastal defence.[82] | |||||
EXTRA | 306 mm rocket artillery | 20 launchers | 150 km range, used for coastal defence.[83] | ||||
K-300P Bastion-P | P-800 Oniks | 10 launchers | Two systems were acquired in 2011; a single system consists of 4 TEL along with radars, command, and support vehicles.120-300 km range, mainly used for coastal defense.[84] | ||||
Tactical ballistic missile | (All Missiles) Scud B Scud C Scud D Hwasong-5 Hwasong-6 | 24[85] | 24 TEL in total. 100 Hwasong-6 missiles and many more Scud missiles. |
Image | Model | Type | Variant | Quantity | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Surface-to-Air Defense System | |||||||
S-300PMU1 | Long range air defense and anti-ballistic missile system. | S-300PMU1 | 12 launchers[86] | | Two systems were acquired.[87] Received upgrade to the command center and range of the missile. Said to be upgraded to S-300PMU2 standards. Factory A31 capable of domestically manufacturing spare and critical parts for SAM missile. | ||
SPYDER-MR | Medium to long range air defense system. | 30 launchers | Five systems (including 6 launchers each) and 750 missiles ordered.[88] The SPYDER-MR variant has a nonrotatable, vertical launcher. Used more as stationary air defense.Can domestically maintenance Derby and Python SAM missiles. 80 km range. | ||||
SPYDER-SR | Short to medium range air defense system. | The SPYDER-SR variant has a rotatable, slanted launcher. Can possibly be used as mobile AA due to quick deployment.40 km range. | |||||
S-75 Dvina | Short to medium range air defense system in modern standards. | S-75M3 | ~25 launchers | | Factory A31 capable of domestically manufacturing spare and critical parts for SAM missile. Old missiles had certain analog parts replaced with digital systems.45 km range. | ||
S-125 Neva/Pechora | Short to medium range air defense system. | S-125TM Pechora-2TM----S-125M Pechora-M----S-125-VT | 51 launchers | | 30 S-125TM Pechora-2TM and 21 S-125M Pechora-M batteries as of 2024.[89] The S-125-VT modernized variant was reported to be in service in July 2024.[90] Factory A31 capable of domestically manufacturing spare and critical parts for SAM missile. Old missiles had certain analog parts replaced with digital systems. ~35 km range. | ||
9K35 Strela-10 | Short range air defense system. | 20 launchers | Tracked air defense system. | ||||
Anti-air Artillery | |||||||
ZSU-23-4 Shilka | Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun | ZSU-23-4M | | Modernization upgrade includes 4 Igla SAM launchers, digital fire-control system, thermal camera, day-night camera, laser range finder, electro-optic vision, improved weapon radar, replaced mechanical transmission with hydrostatic transmission, added hydraulic boosters, and significant speed improvement to turret traversal.There are more additions. | |||
ZU-23-2 | Twin Autocannon | 23mm-2M----23mm-2ML | | The 23mm-2M variant upgrade included cabin for gunner, electromechanic turn system, modern control systems, and potentially a ballistic computer and fire-control system. This project was jointly carried out by Israel and Vietnam.----Similar to the 23mm-2M, the 23mm-2ML additionally includes optronics sensor, laser rangefinder, and potentially a digital fire-control systemFurther modernization projects includes installing the platform on logistic trucks and adding an automatic control system that's being developed. | |||
AZP S-60 | Autocannon | | 57 mm automatic anti-air autocannon. The Vietnamese heavily upgraded the AZP S-60 by equipping it with a fire-control system with radar, optoelectronic reconnaissance equipment, an electromechanical gun control complex, and a digital firing element identification system connected to a computer.The upgraded AZP S-60 can operate without a gunner, is fully automatic, and no longer needs to be manually reloaded.[91] | ||||
61-K | Autocannon | | 37 mm automatic anti-air autocannon.Modernized with a fire-control system and radar. |
Image | Model | Type | Variant | Quantity | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VRS-3TL-1 | 3D L-Band Tactical Surveillance Radar | Surveillance, detection, tracking, narrow pencil-beam (ability to emit high precision & reduce interference concentrated radar beam), electronic scanning in elevation,[92] and other capabilities.Detect targets flying at low altitude and short range. Produced and developed by Viettel. | |||||
VRS-MRS | 3D S-Band Medium-Range Surveillance Radar | This radar has AESA tech, narrow pencil-beam, electronic scanning in elevation, Look-down, Burn-through function (detect targets through interference/clutter), ECM, IFF identification, and open architecture for CS5SIR system.[93] Can also do Surveillance, detection and tracking.Detect targets flying at medium altitude and medium range. Produced and developed by Viettel. | |||||
VRS-SRS | 3D S-Band Tactical Surveillance Radar | Easy assemble, dissemble, transport, and cheaper. Has all the advantages of the VRS-MRS except weather monitoring abilities.[94] Produced and developed by Viettel. | |||||
VRS-M2D-1 | 2D Medium-Altitude Surveillance Radar | 2D radars are much cheaper and easier to build than 3D radars, but are less capable. Compared to 3D radars, the VRS-M2D-1 and its similar counterparts have lacking ECM abilities but still possess ECM.[95] Air Traffic Control, provides info for command/control and air defense system. Detect targets flying at low altitude and medium range. Produced and developed by Viettel. | |||||
VRS-2DM-1 | 2D Low-Altitude Surveillance Radar | Seamlessly integration with SAM systems along with other radar abilities[96] and provides info for command/control and air defense system.Detect targets flying at low altitude and medium range. Produced and developed by Viettel. | |||||
GBR-EAS | Ground Based Radar - Electronic Attack System | Passive Surveillance and Analysis.Electronic Defence:
Electronic Attack:
Brought from Indra Sistemas. | |||||
Coastal Radar | |||||||
VRS-CSX-1 | X-Band Medium-Range Coastal Surveillance Radar | Detect targets at sea and those flying at a low altitude. Produced and developed by Viettel.[98] | |||||
VRS-SRX | X-Band Short-Range High Resolution Coastal Surveillance Radar | Detect targets at sea and those flying at a low altitude. Produced and developed by Viettel.[99] |
Image | Model | Type | Variant | Quantity | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HS-6L | MALE UVA | Jointly developed by Vietnam's Academy of Science and Technology with Belarus; completed in 2015 around November.[100] [101] Specification:
| |||||
IAI Heron | MALE UVA | 3 | |||||
Orbiter 2 | Reconnaissance | Acquired from Israel.[102] | |||||
Insitu ScanEagle | Reconnaissance | 6[103] | |||||
VT-Patrol | Reconnaissance | VT-Pigeon VT-Swift | The VT-Swift is a license produced variant of the Orbiter 3 from Israel. | ||||
UAV Shikra | Reconnaissance | May be in active service. Produced and developed by Viettel. |
Image | Model | Type | Caliber | Variant | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AMD-65 | Assault rifle | 7.62×39mm | Limited use. | ||||
vz. 58 | Assault rifle | 7.62×39mm | Limited use.[113] | ||||
Type 63 | Assault rifle | 7.62×39mm | Used by Militia and Self-defense Forces. | ||||
Type 58 | Assault rifle | 7.62x39mm | Sent as military aid by North Korea during the Vietnam War. Limited use. | ||||
SKS | Semi-automatic rifle | 7.62×39mm | Used by Honor Guards, Militia Forces, and Ceremonial Purposes. | ||||
M14 | Battle rifle | 7.62×51mm NATO | Stored in reserves. | ||||
4MK4 | Bolt-action rifle | .303 British | Limited used by Militia Forces.[114] |
Image | Model | Type | Caliber | Variant | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PM-63 | Machine pistol/Submachine gun | 9×18mm Makarov | Used by People's Army of Vietnam Special Forces and Guard Police. Retired. | ||||
Škorpion | Submachine gun | .32 ACP | Formerly used by the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong. |
Image | Model | Type | Caliber | Variant | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Uk vz. 59 | General-purpose machine gun | 7.62×54mmR | Used by PAVN and Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. | ||||
Type 67 | General-purpose machine gun | 7.62×54mmR | Used by PAVN and Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. | ||||
TUL-1 | Light machine gun | 7.62×39mm | Vietnamese TUL-1 light machine gun used the frame of Chinese Type 56 assault rifle but with stock of an RPK, barrel sights from an RPD and 30-round magazine used on the AK-47/Type 56, there are rare 40-round magazines. The TUL-1 body was thin, only 1 mm compared to the 1.5 mm of an RPK. It was also heavier and had an inferior rate of fire compared to the RPK. However, the firing rate and effective range of the weapon was successfully better than that of an AK-47/Type 56. The TUL-1 LMGs were manufactured between 1970–1974 and ended after Vietnam obtained production rights to the RPK itself. | ||||
DShK | Heavy machine gun | 12.7×108mm | | Mounted on T-55 tanks. Currently being phased out by the NSV. |
Recoilless Rifle | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Image | Model | Type | Caliber | Variant | Origin | Notes | |
B-11 | Anti-tank recoilless rifle | 82 mm HEAT | Stored in reserves. | ||||
M-40 | Anti-tank recoilless rifle | 105 mm HEAT | Stored in reserves. |
Towed Artillery
Image | Model | Type | Variant | Quantity | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M101 | 105 mm towed howitzer | M2A1 PTH-105 | | Received modernization.The PTH-105 is a truck mounted artillery gun prototype. The M101 artillery gun is mounted on a Ural truck. Stored in reserves and used for ceremonial purposes. | |||
M-30[115] | 122 mm field gun | While the current number is, the Soviet Union provided 450 pieces of the M-30 from 1964 - 1969. Some were most likely lost in combat or taken out of service over the years.Stored in reserves. | |||||
D-74[116] | 122 mm field gun | While the current number is, the Soviet Union provided 200 pieces of the D-74 from 1970 - 1971 and China provided 100 pieces of the Type-60 (Chinese made version of D-74) in 1974. Some were most likely lost in combat or taken out of service over the years.Stored in reserves. | |||||
M114 | 155 mm towed howitzer | Stored in reserves. |
In 2006, Israel reported to the United Nations Register Organization of Conventional Arms (UNROCA) that two of its light armoured vehicles had been sold to Vietnam.[119] A number of Israeli companies won a bid to modernize and upgrade T-54/55 tanks as well as establishing factories in the country. Israel's program includes upgrading armor, night vision system and a fire control system upgrade (produced in Poland). In May 2002, Vietnam and Ukraine reached an agreement of military technical co-operation which extended to 2005. Accordingly, Ukraine will support Vietnam primarily to upgrade its armor and artillery, and improve weapons co-production and repair facilities.[119] In February 2005, the Ministry of Defence of Finland ceded to Vietnam about 70 T-54 and T-55 tanks from the Soviet era. In early March 2005, Poland signed a contract to sell to Vietnam 150 T-72 tanks which would have been used to support training, ammunition, equipment maintenance, and repair, but this contract was cancelled in 2006 because Vietnam wanted to focus more on its Navy and Air Force.[119] In addition to upgrading tanks, the Ministry of Defence of Vietnam signed a military co-operation agreement with Russia. The Vietnamese have also developed the capacity to produce their own equipment and repair existing equipment.