"Vietnam's Military Modernization" Topic

"In the past 10 years, there has been a fundamental shift in the capabilities of the Vietnam People's Army (VPA), which for the first time has the ability to project power and defend maritime interests. No country in Southeast Asia has put more military hardware online in the same period of time as Vietnam. This military modernization has been driven almost exclusively by the threat posed by China over territory in the contested South China Sea.

What we are seeing now is Vietnam entering a period of consolidation and gradually improved capability, and the gradual development of doctrine. Vietnam has many of the assets in place, but so far, no doctrine in a real sense (beyond "people's war") or any sense of cross-service jointness. The groundwork is laid for further military development…"
More here
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Amicalement
Armand

Vietnam had a war in '79, with China. So … It could occur again … link

And they won it. All they need is to beat us and the Russians and they've got the full set…

Yes, the combat experienced did give the PRC a very bloody nose. China withdrew from Vietnam and remained in Cambodia for another decade.

So when you say all they need to do is beat "us", you mean the UK. And Russia and you'd have all the P5 of the UN. US, UK, France, China and Russia …

But again, I'm not going to start a debate that has gone on many times before about the US in Vietnam, etc., …

To be fair Vietnam's forces really need a massive overhaul, especially thev .

With regards to the MiG-21s there was a report out of Vietnam this year that they've been retired.

That means they have about 50-ish Su-27/30s at most. The number of Su-22s is unclear with most sources stating 36-50 aircraft still in service including ex-Polish Su-22M4s.

Well the US recently lifted the arms embargo. Primarily to upset the PRC as a result of their "aggressive move" in the region. Regardless I agree the Vietnamese military does need a lot of upgrades, replacements, etc., … Hmmm ? I wonder who could sell them stuff like that ?

Legion – I do indeed mean the UK and the Russians to get the Permanent 5.

It is, whatever way you look at it, an impressive record.

I will accept that the Vietnamese armed forces wer eoutfought by the US in Vietnam.

But wars are about obtaining objectives, not winning battles.

But Deadles is right, they've not upgraded much since the 1970s… hopefully old enemies can become friends and keep Beijing honest.

I generally agree … But not completely … so let's leave it at that …