Vietnam Received Two New Su-30MK2 Multirole Fighter

08 Agustus 2015

2 new Su-30MK2 fighter, bringing the total number of advanced combat aircraft of this type to be inducted in the Vietnamese Air Force to 30 units. (photo : Kienthuc)

Two new Russian-made Su-30MK2 fighter for Vietnamese Air Force, has been disassembled for shipping to Vietnam on 6/8. Sukhoi factory Komsomolsk-on-Amur has officially provide 2 multirole fighters Su-30MK2 to Vietnamese Air Force.

Interfax-AVN citing sources in the Russian aviation industry said Thursday 7/8, two new Su-30MK2 multirole fighter, built for the Vietnamese Air Force with bearing numbers 8814 and 8815, has been disassembled and put up a super-heavy transport aircraft An-124-100 before traveling to Vietnam in the last Wednesday 6/8.

Sources said, two Su-30MK2 here are 5th and 6th Russia handed over to Vietnam within the framework of a contract to supply 12 aircraft of this type which signed in August 2013. First 4 Su-30MK2 (bearing number 8581, 8582, 8583 and 8584) have been delivered to Vietnamese Air Force in October and December 2014.

As planned earlier, Russia will continue deliver 6 remainder Su-30MK2 to Vietnam before the end of 2015, bringing the total number of advanced fighters of this type in the Vietnamese Air Force up to 36 units.

Earlier, in 1/8, Vietnam Navy also held comissioning of 2 Kilo 636 submarines, named HQ Hai Phong 184 and HQ Khanh Hoa 185, bringing the total number of Kilo submarines in the Vietnamese Navy to 4 units.

The new Kilo submarines, along with Su-30MK2 fighters will significantly enhance combat power for Navy and Air Force of Vietnam in combat readiness duty to defend its sovereignty, island of the country.

(BaoDatViet)

India, Brazil or Vietnam may Buy Mistral Helicopter Carriers Built for Russia

07 Agustus 2015

BPC Vladivostok second Mistral Class of Russia (image : DCNS)

MOSCOW/TASS/. India, Brazil and Vietnam are the potential buyers of Mistral-class amphibious assault ships, which France has refused to deliver to Russia, Head of the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies Ruslan Pukhov told TASS on Thursday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart Francois Hollande on Wednesday achieved agreement on terminating the contract for the delivery of two helicopter carriers of the Mistral class, concluded in the summer of 2011.

As the Kremlin said, the two leaders agreed that Russia would get a compensation for the money paid under the contract, and France would return Russian equipment and materials. After that France will be free to use the ships at its sole discretion.

French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has said some countries have already displayed their interest in Mistrals.

"Ships are normally built to order. That is why, this will be a unique case and we’ll all see how this soap opera will end," the expert said.

"It is logical to presume that the French will offer these ships to the countries, which planned to have this type of vessels under their naval program, or sell these ships at a reduced price to the countries traditionally buying used French hardware," Pukhov said.

India may be among the potential buyers, Pukhov said.

"The first country is India, which has expressed its desire to buy one ship and build three more ships of this type at its shipyards, and, as far as I know, the French would want us to assist them in this," the expert said.

The Mistral helicopter carriers may also be of interest to Vietnam where "economic growth is observed," Pukhov said.

"Brazil is the third country. They [Brazilians] hypothetically could consider the purchase of such a ship on condition the French give a good price," the expert said.

The Mistral amphibious assault ships may also be given to the French Navy, which already has three helicopter carriers of this class, Pukhov said.

"The French Navy does not have sufficient money for this. The Navy commander has already made a statement that the Navy no longer needs Mistrals. But if the French fail to sell them, it is quite possible that they will be able to force their Navy to buy these ships," the expert said.

(Tass)

Su-22M3K of Vietnam was Upgraded in Ukraine?

29 Juli 2015

 VPAF Su-22UM3K in Ukraine (photos : KienThuc)

Su-22UM3K Vietnam's fighter supposedly been sent to Ukraine to carry out repairs and upgrading.

Information on new military air Informant Military-page guide to sources Spotters.net.ua (Ukraine) said.

Fighter Su-22M3K 8556 numbers are thought of Vietnam People's Air Force is in Ukraine's Zaporozhye.

The source did not disclose how many Su-22M3K of Vietnam were sent to Ukraine for repairs. Only know through the images on Spotters.net.ua disclosed, at least 2 Su-22M3K.

Su-22UM3K are two seats fighters bomber that can be used for part-time as combat trainer.

Along with Su-22M3K number 8556 is a Su-22M3K bearing number 8551.

According to the Military-Informant, most likely these images taken since 2007 but only now revealed.

Su-22M3K and fighter Su-22M4 bombing of Vietnam is also rumored that could have been upgraded in Ukraine.

(KienThuc)

Ukraine Confirmed that Vietnam will Buy Su-34 Ground Attack

25 Juli 2015

To replace the fleet of Su-22 fighter-old, maybe in the future Vietnamese Air Force will buy Su-34 heavyweight ground attack of Russia. (photo : AusAirPower)

The above is confirmed by the Group Ukroboronprom arms exports (Ukraine) in the report on "Vietnam military potentials". Accordingly, Vietnam may buy attack aircraft Su-34 and some other modern weapons instead of capital equipment originating from the USSR (former) and the Eastern European countries.

Reportedly this is not the first time foreign speculation about the possibility of Vietnam buy fighter Su-34, January 8/2013, Itar Tass news agency of Russia also posted this information.

Accordingly, Vietnam Air Force will definitely buy Su-34s to replace the Su-22 aircraft were obsolete. Currently, Vietnam Air Force maintains a lot of attack aircraft Soviet aid Su-22M4/UM3K and partly purchased from the 1990s.

Su-34 Fullback in the Russian Air Force's color scheme (photo : Pavel Bukanov)

This type of attack aircraft attack missions destroying all targets on the ground or at sea with these weapons control, no control. However, over the period of use, the Su-22 was old and hard to meet the requirements of modern warfare.

Not only Russia and Ukraine speculation, since 2012, Chinese media have also said the same to say that, whenever the Russian Su-34 agreed to be exported, Vietnam will be the first customer convenient.

Su-34 is rated at 4+ generation aircraft, capable of performing combat missions in all conditions of time, weather. With a maximum cruising speed of about 1.900km/h, the range of the Su-34 is estimated at 4.500km.

VPAF Su-22M4 (photo : Jetphotos)

Su-34's cockpit is equipped with very modern electronic devices, designed with two pilots sit side by side in combat facilitation. Equipped with multi-display functionality, providing information about the situation multidimensional.

The electronics are designed with open computer format, Su-34 is capable of fighting with multiple enemies at once. With very large fuel capacity, Su-34 can fly 4,500 kilometers without refueling.

Designed with the main task of ground attack, but the Su-34 still possesses a formidable aerial ability. With the ability to carry large amounts of weapons, Su-34 Russian military was nicknamed the "flying tank".

Su-34 was designed with 12 pylons and carrying weapons are up to 8,000 kg, it is also intended for the Su-34 equipped with both high precision weapons, Russia's latest Su-34 retained 30 mm cannon GSh-30-1 from the Su-27/Su-30.

(BaoDatViet)

SPG-9T2 - Vietnam's Assassin Antitank

18 Juli 2015

SPG-9T2 Vietnamese version of the SPG-9 Russian tripod-mounted man-portable, 73 millimetre calibre recoilless gun (all photos : BaoDatViet)

Along with B41, gun SPG-9T2 is regarded as anti-tank weapons destruction leading power in Vietnam Army.

In Vietnam, SPG-9 anti-tank gun was manufactured in factories Z125 under the General Department of Defense Industry under the name SPG-9T2 with a matching number of improvements in operational condition mountainous area, environmental conditions hot wet field, carrying infantry combat, ...

SPG-9 anti-tank guns can be installed on military vehicles such as armored vehicles, pickups, ... in order to enhance mobility.

In the production process antitank gun SPG-9T2 is important and complex part is making the gun.

In the trial in 2014 at the shot K3 - Military Zone 9, the anti-tank gun SPG-9T2 is installed on M-113 armored upgrade successfully destroyed the target.

The use of CNC machines and drills for machining capabilities lumen size 60-100 mm with time is shortened, for gun SPG-9T2, within 1 hour can drill 1 m2 and it is important that the Z125 machine can now manufacture drills, help actively in the production and reduce costs.

Compared with other types of grenade launchers antitank shoulder as B-40, B-41, the SPG-9 has the advantage of superior range (effective range of 800 meters, a maximum range of 1,300 m).

Antitank recoilless gun SPG-9 size 73 mm were Soviet-built in 1962 to replace the B-10 recoilless rifles, 82 mm size.

Basic specifications of SPG-9 anti-tank guns: Weight: 47.6 kg and 59 kg when prices 3 feet;

SPG-9 anti-tank gun capable of firing various types of ammunition, such as anti-tank grenade explosion standard dose concave PG-9, PG-9N;

Viewfinder: Optical viewfinder PGO-9 with 4 times magnification and PGN-9IR viewfinder for shooting night service.

(BaoDatViet)

The Destructive Power of the B41 Anti-Tank Gun

18 Juli 2015

Vietnamese soldier with B41 anti tank grenade (all photos : BaoDatViet)

Whatever is produced from the Soviet era, but today, gun RPG-7 (Vietnam called B41) is a nightmare for any heavy tank.

From the time they were accepted in the military Soviet so far has nearly 53 years of use, but the value of B41 has not diminished.

The main battle tank which faces B41 are M-48, M-60 ......  at that time has been replaced by M1A2, Challenger-2, Leopard-2A6, Merkava-IV. However, even the world's most modern tank B41 still beat as often.

B41 guns can not beat the aforementioned tank if a frontal assault from the front but if attacked from two sides with power armor piercing warhead of up to 750mm tank is not can survive.

B41 anti-tank guns have very simple structure, size 40mm tubular structure, length 950mm, weighs 7kg. The RPG-7 munition has two sections: a "booster" section and a "warhead and sustainer motor" section. The booster consists of a "small strip powder charge" that serves to propel the grenade out of the launcher; the sustainer motor then ignites and propels the grenade for the next few seconds.

On the body of the gun can be mounted viewfinder PGO-7, or PGO-7V1 type for extra heavy or viewfinder bullet night to cater for night combat beaten. B41 is designed with a variety of anti-armor ammunition increases, anti-infantry ammunition, out of the bullets.

Typically, the PG-7V ammunition brought into use in 1961 with mobile target range of 250m, 260mm thick armor; 2 bullet warhead PG-7VR launched in 1988 has the ability to destroy tanks fitted with explosive reactive armor ERA; TGB-7V fuser cartridge specializes in destroy infantry bunker, which was launched in 1988.

In addition to destroying tanks, armored vehicles, B41 can also be used to shoot down the helicopters operating at low altitudes. At least three helicopters UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters were shot down by B41 in the US military operation in Somalia in 2003.

Following the recording of the main battle tank of the US M1A2 assault by B41 in the Iraq war in 2003, although the warhead can not penetrate the armor of tanks from the front, but the attack was damage tanks and forcing it to abandon the mission.

Also, type main battle tank which is called as the world's best of Israeli Merkava-IV has continued to previous losses by the B41 attack from Hezbollah, and Islamic forces Hamas ... During the Vietnam war, B41 has become a nightmare for the armored forces of the US and the Republic of Vietnam.

(BaoDatViet)

Two Home-Made Troopers for Venezuela Launched

15 Juli 2015

Roro 5612 ship no 02 (photo : QDND)

PANO - Ha Long One-member Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., under the Vietnam Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, has successfully launched two troop-carrier ships Roro 5612 numbered No.1 and No.2 for the Venezuelan Navy.

Roro 5612, designed and equipped by the Dutch Damen Group, was built for the Latin American (Venezuela) country under the supervision of the French register DV.

With a length of 57.27m, width of 12m, water displacement of 600 tons, and speed of 10.4 knots per hour, the ship is tasked with transporting supplies to islands, and can carry light amphibious armored vehicles.

As scheduled, the company will hand over the two ships to the new owner in September and the two remaining ships in the fourth quarter of this year.


Additionally, the company is building two oil-service ships for the Damen Group as well as some steel-hull fishing ships intended for locals.

(QDND)

Vietnamese Sail Training Ship from Poland Almost Completed

13 Juli 2015

Le Quy Don, first ever sail training ship of the Vietnamese Navy (photo :  Łukasz Pacholski)

According to Russian defense news forum, sail training ship 67 m long designed by CHOREN company (Poland), the construction almost completed on the Polish private shipyard Marine Projects Ltd in Gdansk under the supervision of Polski Holding Obronny and Polish Defense Industry, according orders of the Naval Academy in Nha Trang Vietnam.

The ship was laid down in the yard Marine Projects Ltd July 2, 2014 and launched on June 1, 2015 in the period the ship is in the stage of completion to prepare the commissioning and handover as well as training for Vietnamese crew. Time of delivery is expected in August 2015.

Ship named Le Quy Don, a Vietnamese scientist and writer, famous poet of the 18th century.

Schemes of the Vietnamese sail training ship Le Quy Don (image : Choreń Design & Consulting)

Sail training ship Le Quy Don has 67 m long, 10 m beam, sail area of ​​1,400 m2, displacement of 857 tonnes and 3 masts with a height of 40 m, draft of the ship from 3.6 to 5.75 m.

The vessel has 30 crew and up to 80 navy students, rhe ship is armed with 4 x 12.7mm machine gun WKM-Bm.

Polish maritime portal said currently 30 Vietnamese crew in training at Marine Academy in Gdynia, and will be conducted the first voyage with the ship their upcoming Le Quy Don.

(Tin Nong)

Vietnam Coast Guard Receives Two Advanced Ships

11 Juli 2015

The coast guard ship CSB 8002 is seen at Song Thu Port in the central city of Da Nang on July 9, 2015. (photo : TuoiTre)

Two advanced ships, including a coast guard vessel with a helipad on board and a towing and rescuing boat, have been handed over to the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG).

The builder of these ships, Song Thu Corporation, under the Ministry of Defense’s Industrial General Department, transferred the vessels, CSB 8002 and CBS 9004, to the High Command of the VCG during a ceremony at Song Thu Port in the central city of Da Nang on Thursday.

The CSB 8002, a multifunctional police boat, meets all international standards for vessels of its kind.

The coast guard ship CSB 8002 (photo : congnghe)

The ship has a helicopter-landing pad aboard and is equipped with four cannons: two 23 mm guns and two 14.5 mm guns.

The vessel has a healthcare system including an emergency room, an operating room and advanced medical equipment and supplies.

The boat can sail at a maximum speed of 21 knots and can survive winds of up to 133kph.

It can operate for 40 consecutive days in a range of 5,000 nautical miles.

Meanwhile, the CBS 9004 is the largest and most modern towing and rescuing boat that has been built in Vietnam so far.

The ship CSB 9004 (photo : vietbao)

The vessel is equipped with advanced equipment and has a capacity of 3,500 horsepower. It can operate for 30 days in a row in various weather conditions.

The vessel will be used for search and rescue and salvage of fishermen at sea, patrols, and other activities serving the protection of security and Vietnam’s sovereignty over its waters and continental shelf, the VCG said.

The CSB 8004 will be assigned to the VCG of Zone 2, while the CSB 9004 will be added to the fleet of the VCG of Zone 1, said Major General Nguyen Quang Dam, commander of the VCG.

(TuoiTreNews)

Vietnam, Russia Closing in on Deal for 2 Gepard-Class Frigates

04 Juli 2015

Add with 2 more Gepard, Vietnam will have six Gepard class light frigates (photo : ttvnol)

Vietnam and Russia are in the final stages of negotiation for the sale of two Gepard-class (Project 11661) light frigates, sources familiar with the matter told RBTH.

Vietnam has four such Russian-made light frigates, with two of them undergoing weapons fitting at the moment.

A deal could be reached by the end of the month, the sources said.

The sources said the negotiations slowed down after China voiced its concerns over Russia supplying Vietnam with state of the art arsenal. China and Vietnam went to war in the 1970s and dispute certain islands in the South China Sea.

Moscow plans to overlook Beijing concern’s on Russia-Vietnam defense deals, the sources said 

Vietnam has four Russian-built Kilo class submarines and is expecting the delivery of two more. Vietnam is also looking to modernize its air force.

(RBTH)

Debarkation of 4th Vietnamese Kilo Submarine

04 Juli 2015

Debarkation of  4th Vietnamese submarine from mother ship Rolldock Storm (all photos : Baomoi)

Vietnamese 4th Kilo submarines reliable brave in Cam Ranh

At time 10h40 2/7 days, HQ-185 submarine - the 4th Vietnamese Kilo has left the mother ship at the port of Brigade 189 submarines in Cam Ranh, Khanh Hoa.

Before leaving the mother ship Rolldock Storm, from the night of 1/7, part of the transport ship was sunk in order to HQ-185 ship exit.

At around 9am on 2/7, with the assistance of tugboats, Russian made 4 of 6 submarines for Vietnam have been put on submarines military port safety.

It remains unclear official ceremony handed over two of Kilo ship HQ-184 Hai Phong and HQ-185 will be held by Vietnamese Navy.

Speedboats were mobilized to ensure the safety for work of the vessels HQ-185 put into military ship port.

HQ-185 submarine was towed by tugboat to the military port.

Azimuth hybrid fleet towing 4th submarine for Vietnam.

Before entering the military port, right 7am 30/6, transports MV Rolldock Strom carrying HQ-185 Kilo submarines was advanced into Cam Ranh Bay.

HQ-185 submarine was built at the Admiralty Shipyard in Saint Petersburg (Russia). Launch date 03/28/2014, after completion of all the tests, the ship HQ-185 was set off to Vietnam.

Rolldock Storm put HQ-185 Kilo submarines for Vietnam follow along sea lanes from north to south Atlantic, around the Cape of Good Hope in Africa to advance into the Indian Ocean.

As well as ships carrying submarines Rolldock Star HQ-183 Ho Chi Minh City, Rolldock Storm does not go through the Malacca Strait to Singapore, but Sunda Strait. After a short stop in Singapore, Rolldock Storm passing Singapore Straits and ran straight into the South China Sea military port of Cam Ranh.

(BaoMoi)

Vietnam to Build 4 More Molniya Ship with New Weapons

03 Juli 2015

Molniya corvettes (photo : defence.pk)

As told by representatives of Vympel Shipyard (Russia) on 29/6, the companies hope to soon sign a contract to Vietnam closed Molniya 4 more ships with new equipment.

Answer to the media, Mr. Victor Doskin, deputy general manager Vympel shipbuilding conglomerate, said: "We are pleased about the cooperation with Vietnam and hopes to continue this work, because general agreement signed earlier will provide parts to Vietnam self-closing 10 Molniya ship. Currently, Vietnam has played six pieces, and we hope to soon sign contracts to build four more aircraft. "

Reportedly this is not the first time Vympel Shipyard disclose information about this contract. 3/2015 month, Mr. Oleg Belkov - CEO Vympel Shipyard told Interfax-AVN news agency that the company is discussing a contract for Vietnam to build more than 4 Molniya rocket ship upgrades.

According to a contract signed in 2013, Vietnam has received 2 rocket Molniya Russian-made first and add 6 ships which was built and assembled under license in Ba Son shipyard in country.

"Vietnam wants to continue to maintain a manufacturing cycle Molniya class missile boats, they do not want to cancel the existing facilities. In 2015, the two sides will carry out the procedures for contracting and implementation the purchase of necessary equipment. Sang 2016, will begin the fabrication, "he said Belkov.

According Belkov, contracts for 4 rocket Molniya new version (upgrade of equipment on board) could be Russia and Vietnam signed in 2015.

On the security of gas turbine engines for four ships equipped Molniya missile upgrades, Zorya-Mashproekt plant in Nikolayev (Ukraine) will continue to give Vietnam a dynamic which does not yet affected by termites Relations between Russia - Ukraine now because of this engine will be the company's direct supply Ukraine Vietnam.

He also noted that Belkov ship missiles can also optionally use Russian-made engine.

Powerful weapon

As soon as the contract closed 4 more Molniya missile boat was not Vietnam and Russia signed, Russian media have predicted the category of weapons and equipment for four new vessels. According to TASS dated 16/6, Vietnam Molniya ship will be equipped with modern missile systems capable Club attack surface ships, submarines and land-based.

Mr. Alexander Shlyakhtenko, Director General Naval Design Institute Almaz (Russia) told news agency TASS that Vietnam is playing the rocket ship of Project 12 418 licensed technology transfer from Russia, and the Russians want supply newer missile systems. He Shlyakhtenko that maybe it was Club missile system with missiles comes as Caliber (export version).

Although not yet revealed the system version will be equipped Club aboard the Navy's rocket Molniya Vietnam but based on these products OKB Novator Group (Russia) showed that the system almost certainly Club -N will be selected by only this version is designed to equip ships. There is also a Club-S for submarines, Club-M land-based layout (kind of mobile launchers), and Club-K placed in the container may be located on ships or trucks, trains ...

If the ship is equipped Molniya missile system Club-N, apart from the ability to attack targets on land, attacking ships, ship missiles Vietnam can be the submarine with terror attacks.

According to the manufacturer, the payroll of the Club-N system: anti-ship missile 3M-54E, 3M-54E1, missiles 3M-14E land-attack, anti-submarine missiles 91RTE2; Missile systems; Rocket launchers vertical launch tube-14E 3S 3S-14PE or diagonally. Anti-submarine missiles Structure: missile ballistic missile 91RTE2 is two stories jet engine solid fuel, the first floor is the engine speed engine climb, the second floor is the engine cruise engine solid fuel.

Warhead missiles mounted anti-submarine missiles APR-3ME (weight 475kg, 350mm diameter, 3500mm length, 74kg explosive blocks) or anti-submarine torpedoes MPT-1UME (weight 300 kg, a diameter of 324, the length 3000mm and explosive mass 60kg). NATO designation SS-N-27 "Sizzler".

(BaoDatViet)

4th Russian-Built Submarine Arrives in Vietnam

01 Juli 2015

The submarine codenamed HQ-185 Da Nang carried by cargo ship Rolldock Storm at Cam Ranh Port in Khanh Hoa Province. (photo: Nguyen Chung)

The fourth of the six Kilo-class submarines that Vietnam has contracted to buy from Russia arrived at Cam Ranh Port in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa on Tuesday morning.

The submarine codenamed HQ-185 Da Nang was transported by the Dutch-registered cargo ship Rolldock Storm.

The submarine was launched on March 28, 2014 at the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg, Russia, and then had a trial run on the Baltic Sea.

On May 14 this year, it started the voyage to Vietnam.

The first three submarines, named after Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong, arrived in Vietnam in 2014 and early 2015.

The fifth submarine codenamed HQ-186 Khanh Hoa underwent trial run on the Baltic Sea on June 8.

The delivery of the sixth and last one, HQ-187 Ba Ria-Vung Tau, is scheduled for next year.

The six submarines are built under a US$2-billion deal signed during a Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung's visit to Russia in 2009.

Russia will deliver all by 2016, train Vietnamese crews, and supply necessary spare parts.

(ThanhNien)

First Boat for Patrols and SAR Launched

18 Juni 2015

FC624-01 was designed by Hai Minh Company and built by Ba Son shipyard (photos : VoV)

PANO – Factory X51 of the Ba Son Corporation under the General Department of Defence Industry successfully launched the first ship for patrol and search and rescue (SAR) missions, numbered FC624-01, in Ho Chi Minh City on June 16th.

The 63.1m long and 11.9m wide “FC624-01” has a displacement of 700 tons and a maximum speed of 25 knots per hour in bad weather with the wind force at the eighth to ninth scale and high waves.

While carrying out the SAR mission, the ship, which is specifically designed to operate continuously for 15 days and nights, can rescue 100-120 distressed people.

Once operational, the ship will help better safeguard the nation’s sovereignty, support fishermen and fight fire at sea, as well as be able to join international SAR tasks on request.

(QDND)

Vietnam's K-300P System can Attack Chinese Targets in Hainan

15 Juni 2015

Vietnam's K-300P Bastion-P mobile coastal defence missile system. (photo : Soha)

The People's Navy of Vietnam is capable of launching a direct attack against Shanya Naval Base located on the island of Hainan with its K-300P Bastion-P mobile coastal defense missile system, according to Kanwa Defense Review, a Chinese-language military magazine based in Canada.

Vietnam devotes lot of attention to its coastal defenses due to its territorial dispute with China over the South China Sea. The K-300P Bastion-P introduced from Russia allows the Vietnamese navy to launch P-800 Oniks anti-ship cruise missiles designed to damage or sink enemy surface combat vessels. With an attack range of 300 kilometers, the missile can reach critical Chinese targets near the island of Hainan.

Since Hainan is now a staging base for People's Liberation Army to project its forces into the South China Sea, the K-300P Bastion-P has the potential to bring serious losses to China's South Sea Fleet. When engaging the Chinese navy in its costal region, the Kh-35E anti-ship ballistic missile with which the Vietnamese navy's two Gepard-class frigates and other warships are equipped is deadly to any Chinese vessels operating in the region.

The attack range of the Kh-35E is currently 130 km. However, this range can be extended to 260 km if the Vietnamese navy chooses to equip its warships with the more advanced Kh-35UE Super-Uran missile, according to the Kanwa Defense Review. The weapons systems could give Vietnam the edge in a potential asymmetric conflict against China.

(WantChinaTimes)

Vietnam Successfully Upgrades Russian-Made Air Defense Missile System

10 Juni 2015

Belarusian company "Tetrahedron" involved in second batch of upgraded S-125 Pechora of the Vietnam (photos : baodatviet)

The Air Defense-Air Force of Vietnam has successfully upgraded the Russian-made air defense missile system S-125-2TM Pechora after a recent test launch in Hanoi, government website chinhphu.vn reported.

The Air Defense-Air Force is a service which assumes the responsibilities of both national air defense and air forces, according to the Ministry of Defense.

It is the core force responsible for the control and defense of airspace, protection of the nation’s key facilities and the people, and participates in safeguarding the homeland’s seas and islands.

The Air Defense-Air Force, in cooperation with foreign experts, last Thursday held a test launch for three upgraded S-125-2TM Pechora systems, part of the second phase of a scheme to upgrade the medium-range Pechora air defense missile for the service.

The test launch was witnessed by many senior military officials, including Colonel General Luong Cuong, member of the Party Central Committee, member of the Central Military Commission, and Vice Chairman of the General Political Department; and Lieutenant-General Phuong Minh Hoa, member of the Party Central Committee and Commander of the Air Defense-Air Force.

After receiving a command, the three air defense missile systems destroyed their targets with their first round of fire, ensuring the absolute safety of people and equipment.
This version of the S-125-2TM Pechora system is an upgrade package of the short-to-medium-range air defense missiles.

Compared to the previous model, the S-125-2TM air defense missile system now takes much less time to deploy and to fully recover after each launch, and it has robust interference resistance, a high probability of killing its target, including cruise missiles, according to the Air Defense-Air Force.

The fire control system was also upgraded to become more powerful. The system now has the ability to fire two missiles to lock on and hit two targets with very small radar reflector areas simultaneously, said the Air Defense-Air Force.

The S-125-2TM Pechora, also known as the Pechora-2TM, is an upgraded version of the S-125 / Pechora air defense missile system that can destroy advanced, small aerial attack platforms flying at low altitudes.

The system can also be deployed against ground and water-surface targets that are visible to radar, according to airforce-technology.com.

The missile system, equipped with a GPS navigation platform, is capable of engaging targets in severe jamming environments and can operate independently or be integrated into an air defense grouping.

(TuoitreNews)

Pentagon Chief Pledges $18mn for Vietnam to Buy US-Made Patrol Vessels

09 Juni 2015

The Metal Shark 75 Defiant Patrol boat, capable of achieving 40+ knots. For the ideal balance of performance, economy, and reliability, twin Caterpillar C32 diesels mated to Hamilton HM-651 waterjets will propel the vessel to speeds in the 30-knot range. (photo : Metal Shark)

U.S. Department of Defense contracts Jeanerette company to build patrol boats for Vietnam’s Coast Guard

Though they may not be fully aware of it, the 248 employees of south Louisiana boat builder Metal Shark will play a role in a geopolitical chess match between the U.S. and China in the South China Sea.

U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter in late May pledged funding to purchase Metal Shark Defiant 75 Class patrol boats for the Vietnam Coast Guard. Last year, Vietnamese sailors had one of their patrol boats rammed by a Chinese ship, and they routinely play cat-and-mouse games with the communist country.

Metal Shark Vice President Greg Lambrecht said last week the company hopes to begin building the boats in July. Lambrecht would not say what the dollar amount of the contract was or how many of the 40-knot cruising Defiant 75 boats the company would build.

A story by Reuters said the contract was for $18 million.

Once America’s enemy, Vietnam is now a U.S. ally and one of the countries with interests in claiming the many islands that dot the South China Sea.

The U.S., like Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines, has an interest in keeping an increasingly aggressive China in check, U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany said last week.

“As this region becomes more contentious, Louisiana is playing an outsized role in representing American interests and helping our friends with their security needs,” said Boustany, a Republican from Lafayette.

According to Bloomberg, the vast South China Sea is the transportation route for $5.3 trillion in cargo each year and has estimated reserves of 11 billion barrels of oil and 190 trillion cubic feet of gas.

On Wednesday, Metal Shark employees at the Jeanerette facility tended to the day’s business: bending aluminum at precise angles with a 150-ton press; cutting lines and curves in aluminum sheets with computer guidance; wiring up consoles that will be easily installed; and mixing paint to meet specifications. Every square foot of the facility was in production, and every hand at the site was busy.

Nineteen miles from the Jeanerette yard, 65 Metal Shark craftsmen built bigger boats at the company’s Franklin facility, which is next to a dock on the Charenton Drainage and Navigational Canal. The canal has access to the Gulf of Mexico.

Lambrecht said the Franklin facility will handle the Vietnam order, which is still in the contracting stage.

“We’re the first defense equipment provider to enter that market,” Lambrecht said. “It’s exciting for us. That market is one of our growth markets.”

The Gravois family started Gravois Aluminum Boats in 1986 at the Jeanerette facility, selling boats to Gulf fishermen. In 2006 the company signed its first military contract to build and deliver 90 boats, and the company took on the name Metal Shark.

Metal Shark now produces 150 to 200 boats a year, and is the preferred small patrol boat builder for the U.S. Coast Guard. It also builds for the Navy, Army, Air Force, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and for the state’s sheriff’s offices.

And it builds patrol boats for foreign governments and sends training teams internationally, including to Vietnam.

“It’s exciting to see a South Louisiana company like Metal Shark playing such an important role helping navies and coast guards in the South China Sea stand their ground against Chinese expansion,” said Boustany, who has visited the region.

The Metal Shark Defiant 75 Class, the vessels that will be sold to Vietnam, will be constructed at the Franklin facility, a more expansive locale that Metal Shark opened about a year ago, Lambrecht said.

(The Advocate)

Damen Eyes 49% Stake in Ha Long Shipyard

06 Juni 2015

Damen Group of the Netherlands plans to buy 49 per cent of the Ha Long's stake (photo : Vietnam News)

Dutch shipbuilder eyes 49% stake in Ha Long shipyard

HA NOI (VNS) — Well-known shipbuilding firm Damen of the Netherlands is expected to buy a 49 per cent stake in the Ha Long shipbuilding company, the Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (SBIC) said.

Under the current regulations, the ownership ratio of foreign investors in the local stock market is limited to 49 per cent.

In 2014, Ha Long posted output worth more than VND1 trillion ($46 million), or 114.3 per cent of the yearly target, and revenue of more than VND1.38 trillion ($63 million), equivalent to 100.2 per cent of the target.

The Ha Long shipbuilding company is one of the eight subsidiaries of SBIC that are expected to complete equitisation this year.

SBIC Deputy Director General Pham Thanh Son said the plan to equitise the company was feasible because it had mechanisms to handle debt, and had strategic partners that were leading shipbuilders in the world.

Under the equitisation plan of the company, public debt will be cleared first to bring the ownership capital down to zero. Then, Ha Long will transfer part of the capital loaned by SBIC, its mother corporation, as its charter capital.

That means the company must resolve its financial problems before carrying out equitisation.

Deputy Transport Minister Nguyen Hong Truong, who is also head of the Equitisation Steering Committee of SBIC, said Ha Long Company's equitisation plan was on the right path.

Equitising shipbuilding companies under the government's direction was a beneficial measure that would help businesses continue their development and create good working conditions for its employees, while creating highly competitive products for the country's shipbuilding industry, he said.

He asked SBIC to complete the equitisation plan for Ha Long Company so that it could be submitted to the Prime Minister soon for his approval. Ha Long will be equitised first, and the remaining companies will be equitised under that model.

(VietnamNews)

Vietnam Eyes Western Warplanes, Patrol Aircraft to Counter China

05 Juni 2015

SC130J Sea Hercules (photo : Lockheed Martin)

Vietnam is in talks with European and U.S. contractors to buy fighter jets, maritime patrol planes and unarmed drones, sources said, as it looks to beef up its aerial defenses in the face of China's growing assertiveness in disputed waters.

The battle-hardened country has already taken possession of three Russian-built Kilo-attack submarines and has three more on order as part of a $2.6 billion deal agreed in 2009. Upgrading its air force would give Vietnam one of the most potent militaries in Southeast Asia.

The previously unreported aircraft discussions have involved Swedish defense contractor Saab, European consortium Eurofighter, the defense wing of Airbus Group and U.S. firms Lockheed Martin Corp and Boeing, said industry sources with direct knowledge of the talks.

Defense contractors had made multiple visits to Vietnam in recent months although no deals were imminent, said the sources, who declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter. Some of the sources characterized the talks as ongoing.

One Western defense contractor said Hanoi wanted to modernize its air force by replacing more than 100 ageing Russian MiG-21 fighters while reducing its reliance on Moscow for weapons for its roughly 480,000-strong military.

Vietnam has ordered about a dozen more Russian Sukhoi Su-30 front-line fighters to supplement a fleet of older Su-27s and Su-30s.

Saab Gripen (photo : sw4me)

"We had indications they want to reduce their dependence on Russia. Their growing friendship with America and Europe will help them to do that," said the defense contractor.

U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter, during a visit to Vietnam on Sunday, pledged $18 million to help Hanoi buy U.S. patrol boats. But any deal with Lockheed or Boeing would likely be the most significant involving a U.S. firm since Washington started easing a long-time embargo on the sale of lethal weapons to Vietnam in October.

The Vietnamese Foreign Ministry said it had forwarded questions from Reuters about the aircraft discussions to the appropriate authorities.

Boeing said in an email it believed it had capabilities in "intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms that may meet Vietnam's modernization needs". It gave no specifics.

Lockheed and Saab declined to comment. Eurofighter and Airbus did not respond to a request for comment.

Chinese Oil Rig

While communist parties rule both Vietnam and China and annual trade has risen to nearly $60 billion, Vietnam has long been wary of China, especially over Beijing's claims to most of the South China Sea.

Eurofighter Typhoon (photo : Eurofighter)

China's placement of an oil rig in waters claimed by Vietnam for more than two months last year infuriated Vietnam and underscored the coastal country's need to upgrade its maritime patrol capabilities in particular.

Vietnam's military budget is a state secret, although data collated by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) put defense spending at $3.4 billion in 2013, more than double the amount a decade ago.

Experts say actual spending could be much higher given the hardware acquired over recent years.

Among the aircraft under discussion with Vietnam were Saab's Gripen E fourth-generation fighter jet as well as the Saab 340 or 2000 twin-engine turboprops fitted with maritime patrol and airborne early warning systems, said a source with direct knowledge of those talks.

Vietnam had held talks over the Typhoon warplane made by Eurofighter as well as the F/A-50 light fighter jointly developed by Korea Aerospace Industries and Lockheed, separate sources said.

KAI F/A-50 (photo : KAI)

Lockheed had discussed its Sea Hercules, the maritime patrol version of its C-130 transport plane.

Meanwhile, an additional source said Boeing wanted to sell its maritime surveillance aircraft program, which involves putting state-of-the-art P-8 Poseidon plane surveillance technology, although not anti-submarine capabilities, on a business jet.

Vietnam had also looked at unarmed surveillance drones made by Western and Asian contractors.

Vietnam War Legacy

Vietnam has already started moving slowly away from Russia in recent years, buying Canadian Twin Otter amphibious planes and Airbus Defence CASA C-212 maritime patrol aircraft for its coastguard and Airbus C-295 transport planes.

Airbus Defence had been in talks to offer maritime patrol and airborne early warning systems on the C-295, a source said.

In addition, Airbus Helicopters had been in preliminary talks with the Vietnamese military.

Despite increasingly warm ties with Washington, some experts said the legacy of the Vietnam War might make Hanoi wary about buying too much U.S. weaponry, possibly giving Sweden an edge.

Boeing P8A Poseidon (photo : Chris Emerson)

"There is no ideological bias (in Vietnam) with Sweden," said Tim Huxley, executive director of the International Institute of Strategic Studies in Asia.

"The Gripen E will be a cost-effective option. Saab can offer a package that includes maritime patrol and airborne early warning aircraft."

However, one U.S. source familiar with Vietnam's goals said Hanoi saw Washington as a more reliable partner should tension with China escalate.

"Vietnam is interested in building a much closer relationship with the United States, but they also don't want to anger China," said the source, who was not authorized to speak publicly.

"They're looking for a balanced, phased, or step-by-step approach.'

(Reuters)