Since the Vietnam War, most Vietnamese aircraft were supplied by the Soviet Union and later Russia, while hundreds of others were left by the United States via South Vietnam. Most of these are no longer in service either due to the unavailability of parts or the age of the aircraft. Aircraft losses of the Vietnam War.
Image | Model | Type | Variant | Quantity | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Sukhoi Su-22 | Fighter-bomber | Su-22UM3K Su-22M4 | ~43 [1] [2] | ![]() ![]() (maintenance, parts replaced) | The Soviets sent Vietnam 70 Su-22s (including Su-22M-3R reconnaissance and Su-22UM versions); deliveries began in 1981 and concluded in 1984. [3] According to the Vietnam Air Force Air Defense newspaper, in the 5 years from 2019 to 2024, the A32 factory has overhauled 20 Su-22s and repaired 23 Su-22s at units (i.e. on duty), [4] so 43 Su-22 is the most approximate number of Su-22s in Vietnam. There may only be ~32 units. [1] Vietnam has never publicly disclosed the number of Su-22s it received from the Soviet Union or acquired from Eastern European countries. |
![]() | Sukhoi Su-27 | Fighter | Su-27P/SK | ~6 [1] [2] | ![]() ![]() (maintenance, parts replaced) | On July 6, 1998, a Su-27SK number 6007, piloted by Major Hoang Ba Tam, mysteriously crashed at sea. On October 2, 2007, a Su-27SK number 6005 flown by pilot Dao Quoc Khanh had a bird fly into the engine. The pilot landed the plane safely but the plane was seriously damaged. Up to now, there has been no announcement that the plane has been repaired. Around 5 to 6 units. [1] Overhaul done at A32 Factory. |
![]() | Sukhoi Su-30 | Multirole | Su-30MK2 | 35 [1] [2] [5] | ![]() ![]() (maintenance, parts replaced) | Significant advancements made in the capabilities of maintenance. Able to manufacture critical components and extend the lifespan of the aircraft by 1500 hours or ~15 years. Overhaul done at A32 Factory. |
Image | Model | Type | Variant | Quantity | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | CASA C-295 | Transport | C-295M | 3 [6] | ![]() | |
![]() | CASA C-212 | Transport | NC-212i | 3 [6] | ![]() | The aircraft are equipped with MSS 6000 radar. |
![]() | Antonov An-2 | Trainer Transport | AH-02 | 12 | ![]() | Vietnam still uses the An-02 for training, special forces parachuting practice, and light transport missions. |
Image | Model | Type | Variant | Quantity | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Mil Mi-8 | Utility | Mi-8T | 89-101 [1] | ![]() ![]() (maintenance, parts replaced) | Helicopter Technical Service JSC (Helitechco) is the only certified company in Asia besides Russia that is qualified to perform maintenance and overhauls on the Mil helicopters. The repair center was established in 1994. [7] [8] Similar to Mi-17. |
![]() | Mil Mi-17 | Utility | Mi-171 Mi-172 | ![]() ![]() (maintenance, parts replaced) | Vietnam has never announced the number of Mi-8s and Mi-17s it has purchased or received aid from the Soviet Union. Only the Mi-171SAR version was announced to have been purchased 4 units in 2006 but 1 unit crashed in 2014 so there is still 3. 3 Mi-171 SAR with yellow color. Helicopters are able to be maintenance and overhauled domestically. [7] [8] | |
![]() | Kamov Ka-27 | ASW Helicopter | Ka-32 | ~2 [1] | ![]() | Serve in frigates and patrol vessels around Spratly Islands. Serve in frigates and patrol vessels around Spratly Islands. Ka-32T bearing number 7551 crashed during a training flight and currently Vietnam only has one Ka-32T left with number 7552. Sources state that 2 exist. [1] |
Image | Model | Type | Variant | Quantity | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Sukhoi Su-27 | Jet trainer | Su-27UBK | 5 [1] [2] | ![]() ![]() (maintenance, parts replaced) | The Su-27UBK is used for conversion training. Overhaul done at A32 Factory. |
![]() | Yakovlev Yak-130 | Jet trainer Light multirole | 11 | ![]() | According to publicly available documents from the media of Vietnam Air Force Air Defense Command, there is gradually researching and using the Yak-130 to fight enemy air attacks, and partake in Land-Air-Sea attack missions. One crashed in November 2024. [9] | |
![]() | Aero L-39 Albatros | Jet trainer | L-39C L-39NG | 24 [6] 12 | ![]() ![]() | The L-39NG contract was completed in early March 2025. The L-39NG is also planned to be put into use as a light fighter aircraft like the Yak-130, according to information from some documents of the Vietnam Air Defense - Air Force. |
![]() | Beechcraft T-6 Texan II | Trainer aircraft | T-6C Texan II | 12 | ![]() | Delivery completed. |
![]() | Yakovlev Yak-52 | Trainer aircraft | 34 [12] [13] | ![]() | According to the official Vietnamese press, the Yak-52 are still actively being used. [14] |
Image | Model | Type | Variant | Quantity | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Training/Test UAV | ||||||
[15] | M400-CT2 | Training/Test UAV | ![]() | Colored in bright orange. Specs:
| ||
[16] | DIS-18 | Training/Test UAV | ![]() | Specs:
|
The Military Balance of 2024 from the International Institute for Strategic Studies notes that Vietnam has a variety of towed anti-aircraft artillery in its arsenal, though the specific guns using the 85mm and 130mm calibers remain uncertain. It is possible that the 85mm gun is the KS-12/K-52, while the 130mm may be the KS-30. Vietnam has ~98+ SAM systems. [17]
Image | Model | Type | Variant | Quantity | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | S-300 | Long range air defense and anti-ballistic missile system. | S-300PMU1 | 12 launchers | ![]() ![]() (maintenance, parts replaced) | Two systems were acquired. [18] 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 | Medium to long range air defense system. Short to medium range air defense system. | SPYDER-MR SPYDER-SR | 10 launchers 20 launchers | ![]() | 80 km range. Five systems (including 6 launchers each) and 750 missiles ordered. [19] The SPYDER-MR variant has a nonrotatable, vertical launcher. Used more as stationary air defense. Can domestically maintenance Derby and Python SAM missiles. There is a patent to reverse engineer the Derby SAM missile. [20] 40 km range. The SPYDER-SR variant has a rotatable, slanted launcher. Can possibly be used as mobile AA due to quick deployment. |
![]() | SA-2 Dvina | Short to medium range air defense system. | Volga S-75M/M3 | ~25 launchers | ![]() ![]() (maintenance, parts replaced) | ~27 to 35 km range. The Volga S-75M/M3 air defense missile complex (modern version of SAM-2) uses 5IA23 missiles and is a High-altitude air defense system. All SAM-2 complex systems have been modernized. Able to domestically produce complexes and equipment. Factory A31 capable of domestically manufacturing spare and critical parts for SAM missile. Old missiles had certain analog parts replaced with digital systems. |
![]() | S-125 Neva/Pechora | Short to medium range air defense system. | S-125TM Pechora-2TM S-125M Pechora-M S-125-VT | 51 launchers | ![]() ![]() (maintenance, parts replaced) | ~35 km range. 30 S-125TM Pechora-2TM and 21 S-125M Pechora-M batteries as of 2024. [21] The S-125-VT domestic modernized variant was reported to be in service in July 2024. [22] Factory A31 capable of domestically manufacturing spare and critical parts for SAM missile. Old missiles had certain analog parts replaced with digital systems. |
![]() | 9K35 Strela-10 | Short range air defense system. | 20 launchers | ![]() | ~10 km range. Still being used according to official Vietnamese newspaper from 2024, but not mentioned in the Military Balance of 2024. [23] |
Image | Model | Type | Caliber | Variant | Quantity | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 61-K | Autocannon | 37 mm | ![]() ![]() (maintenance, parts replaced) | 37 mm automatic anti-air autocannon. Modernized with a fire-control system and radar. | ||
| AZP S-60 | Autocannon | 57 mm | ![]() ![]() (maintenance, parts replaced) | 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. Has an LCD screen. The upgraded AZP S-60 can operate without a gunner, is fully automatic, and no longer needs to be manually reloaded. [24] A part of the VPK-57 project. Fire-control system integrated with X-band AESA radar. | ||
| KS-19 | Towed Anti-aircraft gun | 100 mm | ![]() | Used during Vietnam war. [25] Still in service according to Military Balance of 2024. [26] |
Image | Model | Type | Variant | Quantity | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3D Radar | ||||||
ELM-2288 | 3D Solid-state Long-range S-Band radar | ELM-2288ER | At least 5 | ![]() | The ELM-2288ER AD-STAR is a long-range 3D S-Band radar developed by ELTA Systems (Israel). It provides early warning, air defense, and air traffic control capabilities with a detection range of up to 420 km for fighter-sized targets and a maximum range of 480 km. The system features automatic 3D target tracking, strong ECCM (Electronic Counter-Countermeasures) capabilities, and a modular, transportable design, allowing deployment via road or cargo plane. ELM-2288ER is a high-performance radar system enhancing national air surveillance and defense networks. | |
![]() | Nebo-U | 3D Long-range VHF-Band radar | Nebo-UE | ![]() | The Nebo-UE (55Zh6U) is a mobile long-range 3D radar developed by Russia’s NNIIRT, operating in the VHF band. It is designed for early warning and air surveillance, with a detection range of up to 600 km and strong capability to detect stealth aircraft. The system supports 3D tracking, features ECCM for jamming resistance, and is often integrated into layered air defense networks alongside other radar systems. Its mobility and VHF frequency range make it a key asset in modern anti-stealth operations. | |
![]() | Kasta 2E2 | 3D Mid-range UHF-Band Radar | Kasta 2E2 | ![]() | Acquired in the 2000s. [27] | |
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, and other capabilities. Detect targets flying at low altitude and short range. Produced and developed by Viettel. [28] | |||
VRS-MRS | 3D S-Band Medium-Range Surveillance Radar | ![]() | This radar is equipped with AESA technology, a narrow pencil-beam, and supports electronic scanning in elevation. It features look-down capability, a burn-through function (enabling target detection through interference or clutter), ECM capabilities, IFF identification, and an open architecture compatible with the CS5SIR system. The radar performs functions including surveillance, detection, and tracking. Designed to detect targets flying at medium altitude and within medium range, produced and developed by Viettel. [29] | |||
VRS-SRS | 3D S-Band Tactical Surveillance Radar | ![]() | Easy to assemble, disassemble, transport, and cost-effective. It retains all the advantages of the VRS-MRS, except for weather monitoring capabilities. | |||
2D Radar | ||||||
VRS-M2D-1 | 2D Medium-Altitude Surveillance Radar | ![]() | Supports Air Traffic Control, and provides essential information for command, control, and air defense systems. Retain basic ECM functions. Designed to detect targets flying at low altitude and within medium range. Produced and developed by Viettel. [31] | |||
VRS-2DM-1 | 2D Low-Altitude Surveillance Radar | ![]() | Seamlessly integration with SAM systems along with other radar abilities and provides info for command/control and air defense system. Detect targets flying at low altitude and medium range. Produced and developed by Viettel. [32] | |||
VRS-2DM | 2D Ultra-high Frequency Radar | ![]() | Based on the Soviet Union's P19 radar. Works proficiently in low altitude and used to control/track airspace. Works in semi or automatic mode. Produced and developed by Viettel. | |||
![]() | P18M | 2D Very-high Frequency Radar | ![]() ![]() ![]() | Specs:
Produced and developed based on Transfer of Technology (ToT) from Czech Republic. [33] | ||
Vostok-E | 2D Metric Band Surveillance Radar / Digital VHF Radar | RV-02 Vostok-E | ![]() ![]() | Specs:
Domestic copy of mobile Vostok-E radar system of Belarus; original system claimed to have major anti-stealth capabilities. The RV-02 is the successor to the RV-01. Latest edition addressed the precursor's limitations and weak points. [34] | ||
Special Purpose Radar | ||||||
![]() | Kolchuga passive sensor | Passive radar | ![]() | 4 systems acquired for the price of $27 million per unit. [35] Even though the mentioned figures could be inaccurate or varied, the systems have been formally commissioned by the Vietnamese Air Defense - Air Force Service. [36] | ||
| VERA Passive Sensor | Passive Surveillance ESM System | VERA-NG V-ELINT18 | ![]() ![]() | VERA-NG systems were imported and entered operation since 2015. [37] Specs of V-ELINT18:
Used for detecting air, sea, and land targets without having location compromised. System includes 1 central receiving and processing system and 3 peripheral receiving station. Produced and developed by Viettel. [38] | |
VRS-S55X | X-Band Fire-control Radar | ![]() | A part of VPK-57 project. Fire-control system integrated with X-band AESA radar. Ready to operate within 20 minutes of arriving. Produced and developed by Viettel. |
Image | Model | Type | Variant | Quantity | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Shenyang J-6 | Fighter | 30 [44] | ![]() | 10 units per year delivered in 1970, 1971, and 1972. [45] | |
![]() | Shenyang J-5 | Fighter | 10 | ![]() | The Vietnamese Air Force used J-5s alongside the Soviet supplied MiG-17s for interception missions until the 1990s when they were retired, along with the remaining MiG-19s, being replaced with newer MiG-21s and Su-27s. | |
![]() | MiG-21 Fishbed | Fighter | MiG-21bis MiG-21UM MiG-21PF MiG-21PFM MiG-21MF MiG-21F-13 | 645 | ![]() | Retired from service in November 2015. [46] Replaced with Su-22. The MiG-21 fleet has reserved in storage and some frames are still capable of flying. There are plans to turn these retired aircraft into UAVs. |
![]() | MiG-19 Farmer | Fighter | ~45 | ![]() | 15 delivered in 1967; another 15 in 1973. [47] | |
![]() | MiG-17 Fresco | Fighter | MiG17A MiG17P MiG17PF | 367 | ![]() | [48] |
![]() | MiG-15 Fagot | Fighter Trainer | ![]() | |||
![]() | Northrop F-5 | Light ground-attack Light fighter | F-5A F-5E | 191 | ![]() | Captured during Vietnam War. [49] [50] |
![]() | Cessna A-37 Dragonfly | Light ground-attack | A-37A A-37B | 254 | ![]() | Captured during Vietnam War. [51] |
Image | Model | Type | Variant | Quantity | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | PZL M28 | Maritime patrol | M28B-1R [5] | 1 [6] | ![]() | Inactive. |
Image | Model | Type | Variant | Quantity | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Antonov An-26 | Transport | ~30-48 | ![]() | Likely retired, but may be in service. [52] [53] | |
![]() | Beriev Be-12 | Transport | 6 | ![]() | [54] | |
![]() | Lockheed C-130 Hercules | Transport | 7 | ![]() | Captured during Vietnam War. Still serviced after 1975 and retired after 1980 | |
![]() | Fairchild C-119 | Transport | ![]() | Captured during Vietnam War. |
Image | Model | Type | Variant | Quantity | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Mil Mi-24 | Attack helicopter | Mi-24A Mi-24D | ~25-30 | ![]() | Limited number, small number stored in reserve. Estimated to have around 25 units. [53] Likely retired, but may be in service. [52] |
![]() | Mi-4 | Transport | ~10 | ![]() | [55] | |
![]() | Mi-6 Hook | Transport | Mil Mi-6 | ~15-26 | ![]() | They were actively used during the Vietnam War to move aircraft at forward airstrips and also took part in delivering supplies along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. [56] |
![]() | CH-47 Chinook | Transport | CH-47A | 5 | ![]() | Captured during Vietnam War. [57] |
![]() | UH-1 Iroquois | Utility | UH-1H | 15 | ![]() | Captured during Vietnam War. [58] |
Image | Model | Type | Variant | Quantity | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Aero L-29 | Trainer | ![]() | |||
![]() | TL-1 | Trainer | ![]() | Designed and manufactured from 1984 - 1985. The TL-1 is said to be a 4 seater with side-by-side seating arrangement. The HL-1 is a 2 seater with tandem seating. The HL-2 is either a 2nd iteration of HL-1 or a new variation. [59] Also, seen at the Vietnam People's Air Force Museum in Hanoi. |
Image | Model | Type | Variant | Quantity | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Small UVA | ||||||
ITAD M-400 | Reconnaissance | ![]() | No longer in service. Designed in 2001 and produced in 2005. |
Image | Model | Type | Caliber | Variant | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | ZU-23-2 | Twin Autocannon | 23 mm | 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 system Further modernization projects includes installing the platform on logistic trucks and adding an automatic control system that's being developed. Potentially retired according to the Military Balance of 2024. |
Image | Model | Type | Variant | Quantity | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2D Radar | ||||||
![]() | P-18 radar | 2D Very-high Frequency Radar | ![]() | May have been retired and replace by P18M radar. |
This section will include weapons that are in the planning, development, or testing phase. It is important to note that not all the weapons in this particular section will progress to the point of being procured. To avoid confusion, existing weapon systems that are being modified or upgraded should have their progress recorded in the notes section and not moved to the development section.
Image | Model | Type | Variant | Quantity | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MALE UVA | ||||||
HS-6L | MALE UAV | ![]() ![]() | Jointly developed by Vietnam's Academy of Science and Technology with Belarus; completed in 2015 around November. [61] [62] Specs:
| |||
UAV2-20 | MALE UAV | ![]() | Resembles MQ-9 Reaper drone. Certain parts painted in red. | |||
VU-MALE | MALE UAV | ![]() | Multi-purpose UAV. [63] Specs:
| |||
Small UVA | ||||||
ARP-A-1 | Reconnaissance | ![]() | Payload of 1–3 kg. Classified as AI drone. Produced and developed by Viettel. | |||
ARP-A-2 | Reconnaissance | ![]() | Payload of 3–7 kg. Classified as AI drone. Produced and developed by Viettel. |
Image | Model | Type | Variant | Quantity | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BT-100-120 | Practice Aerial Bomb | ![]() | Researched and manufactured by Vietnam's Military Science and Technology Institute. Project took 2 years to complete. Stated to be 100% domestically manufactured along with the technology and material used. Low cost and able to be produced in large batches. [64] |
Image | Model | Type | Variant | Quantity | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | C-130J | Transport | 3-13 | ![]() | Vietnam reported to sign a deal with the US to purchase 13 C-130J. [65] [66] Other sources state that Vietnam may purchase 3 units. |
Image | Model | Type | Variant | Quantity | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Beechcraft T-6 Texan II | Trainer aircraft | T-6C Texan II | 7 | ![]() | Delivery completed. |
The handover of five next generation American-made T-6C Trainer Aircraft demonstrates the U.S. commitment to partner with Vietnam as it develops self-reliant defense capabilities in accordance with the U.S. – Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
...with the full complement of 12 T-6C aircraft scheduled for delivery by 2025.