List of equipment of the Vietnam People's Air Force

Last updated

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.

Contents

Aircraft

Combat Aircraft

ImageModelTypeVariantQuantityOriginNotes
Vietnamese Su-22M4 with Kh-25s.jpg Sukhoi Su-22 Fighter-bomber Su-22UM3K
Su-22M4
~43 [1] [2] Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union
Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam
(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.

Su-27UBK number 8526 Jan-2017.jpg Sukhoi Su-27 Fighter Su-27P/SK~6 [1] [2] Flag of Russia.svg Russia
Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam
(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.

Su-30MK2 and Kh-25.jpg Sukhoi Su-30 Multirole Su-30MK2

(Su-30MK2V)

35 [1] [2] [5] Flag of Russia.svg Russia
Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam
(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.

Transport

ImageModelTypeVariantQuantityOriginNotes
Polish Air Force C-295 (cropped).jpg CASA C-295 Transport C-295M 3 [6] Flag of Spain.svg Spain
CASA 212-200 'T.12D-74 - 54-11' (26795714424).jpg CASA C-212 Transport NC-212i 3 [6] Flag of Indonesia.svg Indonesia The aircraft are equipped with MSS 6000 radar.
Antonov An-2 (cropped).jpg Antonov An-2 Trainer
Transport
AH-0212Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union Vietnam still uses the An-02 for training, special forces parachuting practice, and light transport missions.

Helicopter

ImageModelTypeVariantQuantityOriginNotes
Vietnamese Mi-8 gets fuel.jpg Mil Mi-8 Utility Mi-8T 89-101 [1] Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union
Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam
(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.

Russian Air Force Mil Mi-17 yellow 62.jpg Mil Mi-17 Utility Mi-171
Mi-172
Flag of Russia.svg Russia
Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam
(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]

A Russian Helix KA-27 (cropped).jpg Kamov Ka-27 ASW Helicopter Ka-32 ~2 [1] Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union 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]

Trainer

ImageModelTypeVariantQuantityOriginNotes
Su-27UBK number 8526 Jan-2017.jpg Sukhoi Su-27 Jet trainer Su-27UBK5 [1] [2] Flag of Russia.svg Russia
Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam
(maintenance, parts replaced)
The Su-27UBK is used for conversion training.

Overhaul done at A32 Factory.

Yakovlev Yak- 130 (modify).jpg Yakovlev Yak-130 Jet trainer
Light multirole
11Flag of Russia.svg Russia 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. (36503403834).jpg Aero L-39 Albatros Jet trainer L-39C
L-39NG
24 [6]
12
Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Czechslovak SR
Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Czech Republic
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.

Five T-6C Texan II (601-605) for Vietnam People's Air Force.jpg Beechcraft T-6 Texan II Trainer aircraft T-6C Texan II 12Flag of the United States.svg United States Delivery completed.

. [10] [11]

Yakovlev Yak-52, YakItalia JP6667523.jpg Yakovlev Yak-52 Trainer aircraft 34 [12] [13] Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union According to the official Vietnamese press, the Yak-52 are still actively being used. [14]

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

ImageModelTypeVariantQuantityOriginNotes
Training/Test UAV
[15] M400-CT2 Training/Test UAVFlag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam Colored in bright orange.

Specs:

  • Wingspan: 3.2 m
  • Length: 2.8 m
  • Height: 1.1 m
  • Endurance: 120 minutes
  • Speed: 200 – 220 km/h (cruise), 260 km/h (max)
  • Max altitude (above sea level): 3.5 km
  • Max take-off weight: 110 kg (possible typo)
  • Max Effective payload: 10 kg
  • Operational features: Optical systems, thermal imaging, reflective lenses, infrared thermal decoys, smoke
[16] DIS-18 Training/Test UAVFlag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam Specs:
  • Wingspan: 2.8
  • Length: 3.1 m
  • Height: 1.3 m
  • Range: 100 km
  • Endurance: 60 minutes
  • Speed: 200 – 250 km/h (cruise), 360 km/h (max)
  • Max altitude (above sea level): 5 km
  • Max take-off weight: 102 kg
  • Max effective payload: 5 kg
  • Operational features: Optical systems, thermal imaging, reflective lenses, infrared thermal decoys, smoke

Air Defense

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]

Surface-to-Air Defense

ImageModelTypeVariantQuantityOriginNotes
S-300 - 2009 Moscow Victory Day Parade (2).jpg S-300 Long range air defense and anti-ballistic missile system. S-300PMU1 12 launchersFlag of Russia.svg Russia
Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam
(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 missile system.jpg

SPYDER-MR MFU of Vietnam.png

SPYDER Medium to long range air defense system.
Short to medium range air defense system.
SPYDER-MR
SPYDER-SR
10 launchers
20 launchers
Flag of Israel.svg Israel 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.

S-75 Dvina.jpg SA-2 Dvina Short to medium range air defense system.Volga S-75M/M3~25 launchersFlag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union
Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam
(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.

S125 Neva 250 brPVO VS, september 01, 2012.jpg S-125 Neva/Pechora Short to medium range air defense system. S-125TM Pechora-2TM
S-125M Pechora-M
S-125-VT
51 launchersFlag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union
Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam
(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.


9A34 Strela-10 - 4th Separate Tank Brigade (6).jpg 9K35 Strela-10 Short range air defense system.20 launchersFlag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union ~10 km range.

Still being used according to official Vietnamese newspaper from 2024, but not mentioned in the Military Balance of 2024. [23]

Anti-aircraft Artillery

ImageModelTypeCaliberVariantQuantityOriginNotes
61-K anti-aircraft gun, 2007.jpg 61-K Autocannon 37 mmFlag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union
Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam
(maintenance, parts replaced)
37 mm automatic anti-air autocannon. Modernized with a fire-control system and radar.
Captured iraqi S-60-AA-gun.JPEG AZP S-60 Autocannon 57 mmFlag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union
Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam
(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.

Stalin line - KS-19.JPG KS-19 Towed Anti-aircraft gun 100 mmFlag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union Used during Vietnam war. [25] Still in service according to Military Balance of 2024. [26]

Radar System

ImageModelTypeVariantQuantityOriginNotes
3D Radar
ELM-22883D Solid-state Long-range S-Band radarELM-2288ERAt least 5Flag of Israel.svg Israel 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.
55Zh6M Nebo-M mobile multiband radar system -02.jpg Nebo-U3D Long-range VHF-Band radarNebo-UEFlag of Russia.svg Russia 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.
39N6E Kasta-2E2 radar - 100th Anniversary VVS-R -01.jpg Kasta 2E2 3D Mid-range UHF-Band Radar Kasta 2E2 Flag of Russia.svg Russia Acquired in the 2000s. [27]
VRS-3TL-1 3D L-Band Tactical Surveillance Radar Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam 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]

Viettel High Tech VRS-MRS 3D air-surveillance radar.png

VRS-MRS 3D S-Band Medium-Range Surveillance Radar Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam 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 Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam Easy to assemble, disassemble, transport, and cost-effective. It retains all the advantages of the VRS-MRS, except for weather monitoring capabilities.

Produced and developed by Viettel. [30]

2D Radar
VRS-M2D-1 2D Medium-Altitude Surveillance Radar Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam 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 Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam 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 RadarFlag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union

Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam

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.
P-18 radar on Ural-4320 & Ural-375D trucks.jpg P18M 2D Very-high Frequency RadarFlag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union
Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Czech Republic
Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam
Specs:
  • Frequency: VHF
  • Range: 250 km
  • Altitude: 35 km
  • Azimuth: 360-degrees

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
Flag of Belarus.svg Belarus
Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam
Specs:
  • Frequency: VHF
  • RPM: 6
  • Height: 11 m
  • Weight: 18 tons
  • 21.6 m long antennae
  • 28 channel, antennas, and receiver
  • Ready in 10–15 minutes of arrival
  • Fiber optic installation

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-radar MAKS2009.jpg Kolchuga passive sensor Passive radar Flag of Ukraine.svg Ukraine 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]

ILA Berlin 2012 PD 042.JPG VERA Passive Sensor Passive Surveillance ESM System VERA-NG
V-ELINT18
Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Czech Republic
Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam
VERA-NG systems were imported and entered operation since 2015. [37]

Specs of V-ELINT18:

  • Monitor/Track: ≤ 500 target
  • Can hold inform of > 10,000 unique targets
  • Range (km): 450
  • Bandwidth (MHz): ≤ 500
  • Receiver sensitivity: < 85dBm at 20 MHz bandwidth
  • Signals able to process: primary radar pulse, SIF/SSR and Mode-S/ADS-B, DME/TACAN, Parol, and AIS
  • Can detect stealth

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-S55XX-Band Fire-control RadarFlag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam 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.

Munition

ImageModelTypeVariantQuantityOriginNotes
Air-to-air Missile
K-13 (AA-2 'Atoll').jpg K-13 (AA-2) Air-to-air missile 2,550Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union Used by former MiG-21 and Su-22M4/UM3K.

1000 R-3S, 800 R-3R, and 750 R-13M missiles. [39]

Sukhoi SU-15TM 2008 G4.jpg R-60 (AA-8) Air-to-air missile 400Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union Used by Su-22M4/UM3K fighter-bombers. [39]
Lipetsk Air Base (437-24).jpg R-27 (AA-10) Air-to-air missile 320Flag of Russia.svg Russia
Flag of Ukraine.svg  Ukraine
Used by Su-30MK2 and Su-27SK/UBK fighters. [40] [41]
MAKS2015part7-21.jpg R-73 (AA-11) Air-to-air missile R-73E 375Flag of Russia.svg Russia Used by Su-30MK2, Su-27SK/UBK and Yak-130. Short range missile. [39]
Vympel-R-77-maks2009.jpg R-77 (AA-12) Air-to-air missile RVV-AE Flag of Russia.svg Russia [42]
Air-to-surface Missile
Dissembling Kh-28 AS-9 Kyle.png Kh-28 (AS-9) Anti-radiation missile Kh-28EFlag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union
AS-10 Kerry on Su-24 2008 G5.jpg Kh-25 (AS-10) Air-to-surface missile
Anti-radiation missile
Kh-25ML
Kh-25TE
Kh-25MR
Kh-25MP
Flag of Russia.svg Russia
Kh-59MK2 maks2009.jpg Kh-59 (AS-13) Air-to-surface missile 200Flag of Russia.svg Russia [39]
Kh-29L (1).jpg Kh-29 (AS-14) Air-to-surface missile 100Flag of Russia.svg Russia [39]
Russian missile -MAKS Airshow 2003.JPG Kh-31 (AS-17) Air-to-surface missile Kh-31A
Kh-31P
100Flag of Russia.svg Russia Kh-31 is carried by Vietnamese Su-30MK2. [39]
Rocket
Aircraft engine MiG-23 rockets pods.jpg S-5 rocket Rocket Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union [43]
S-8 unguided missile in Park Patriot 01.jpg S-8 rocket Rocket Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union [43]
Budni aviagruppy VKS RF na aerodrome <<Khmeimim>> (Siriiskaia Arabskaia Respublika) (58).JPG S-13 rocket Rocket Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union [43]
Bomb
International Maritime Defence Show 2011 (377-22).jpg KAB-500KR Electro-optical TV-guided fire and forget bomb Flag of Russia.svg Russia
Korrektiruemaia aviatsionnaia bomba KAB-1500LG-F-E s fugasnoi boevoi chast'iu - MAKS-2009 01.jpg KAB-1500L Laser-guided bomb Flag of Russia.svg Russia
OFAB-100-120 aerial bomb in Park Patriot 01.jpg OFAB-100-120 Aerial bomb Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union
Ofab-250-70.jpg OFAB-250-270 Aerial bomb Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union

Former

Combat Aircraft

ImageModelTypeVariantQuantityOriginNotes
Shenyang J-6 and 2 Mig 21s.jpg Shenyang J-6 Fighter30 [44] Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China 10 units per year delivered in 1970, 1971, and 1972. [45]
China airforce J5.jpg Shenyang J-5 Fighter 10Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China 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.
Croatian MiG-21 (cropped).jpg MiG-21 Fishbed FighterMiG-21bis
MiG-21UM
MiG-21PF
MiG-21PFM
MiG-21MF
MiG-21F-13
645Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union 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.

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-19S Farmer USAF.jpg MiG-19 Farmer Fighter~45Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union 15 delivered in 1967; another 15 in 1973. [47]
MiG-17 Takes to the Sky (cropped).jpg MiG-17 Fresco FighterMiG17A
MiG17P
MiG17PF
367Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union [48]
N87CN Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 Fagot C-N 910-51 (15598958280).jpg MiG-15 Fagot Fighter
Trainer
Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union
J-3005.jpg Northrop F-5 Light ground-attack
Light fighter
F-5A
F-5E
191Flag of the United States.svg United States Captured during Vietnam War. [49] [50]
OA-37B-1 (centered).jpg Cessna A-37 Dragonfly Light ground-attackA-37A
A-37B
254Flag of the United States.svg United States Captured during Vietnam War. [51]

Maritime patrol

ImageModelTypeVariantQuantityOriginNotes
PZL-Mielec M-28B-1R Bryza (7964781290).jpg PZL M28 Maritime patrol M28B-1R [5] 1 [6] Flag of Poland.svg Poland Inactive.

Transport

ImageModelTypeVariantQuantityOriginNotes
An-26 Niu Nishava Serbien Marko Stojkovic IMG 2634-1-2.jpg Antonov An-26 Transport~30-48Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union Likely retired, but may be in service. [52] [53]
Beriev Be-12P-200 Chaika AN0198039.jpg Beriev Be-12 Transport6Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union [54]
Lockheed C-130 Hercules.jpg Lockheed C-130 Hercules Transport7Flag of the United States.svg United States Captured during Vietnam War. Still serviced after 1975 and retired after 1980
Fairchild C-119B of the 314th Troop Carrier Group in flight, 1952 (021001-O-9999G-016).jpg Fairchild C-119 TransportFlag of the United States.svg United States Captured during Vietnam War.

Helicopter

ImageModelTypeVariantQuantityOriginNotes
Mi-24A.jpg Mil Mi-24 Attack helicopter Mi-24A
Mi-24D
~25-30Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union Limited number, small number stored in reserve. Estimated to have around 25 units. [53] Likely retired, but may be in service. [52]
Mil Mi-4 Szolnok 2010 01.jpg Mi-4 Transport~10Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union [55]
Mi-6 (cropped).jpg Mi-6 Hook TransportMil Mi-6~15-26Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union 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 assigned to 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade.jpg CH-47 Chinook TransportCH-47A5Flag of the United States.svg United States Captured during Vietnam War. [57]
UH1 Huey - Fly Navy 2017 (26938005897 b).jpg UH-1 Iroquois UtilityUH-1H15Flag of the United States.svg United States Captured during Vietnam War. [58]

Trainer

ImageModelTypeVariantQuantityOriginNotes
Aero-L-29-Delfin-L-2902.jpg Aero L-29 TrainerFlag of the Czech Republic.svg Czechoslovakia
01 TL-1 Reconnaissance aircraft First Flight 240980.jpg TL-1TrainerFlag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam 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.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

ImageModelTypeVariantQuantityOriginNotes
Small UVA
ITAD M-400 Reconnaissance Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam No longer in service. Designed in 2001 and produced in 2005.

Produced and developed by Viettel. [60]

Air Defense

Anti-aircraft Artillery

ImageModelTypeCaliberVariantOriginNotes
Zu-23-2-belarus.jpg ZU-23-2 Twin Autocannon23 mm 23mm-2M
23mm-2ML
Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union

Flag of Israel.svg Israel
Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam

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.

Radar System

ImageModelTypeVariantQuantityOriginNotes
2D Radar
P-18 radar on Ural-4320 & Ural-375D trucks.jpg P-18 radar 2D Very-high Frequency RadarFlag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union May have been retired and replace by P18M radar.

Development

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.

  Development completed
  Development ongoing
  Development cancelled

Aircraft

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

ImageModelTypeVariantQuantityOriginNotes
MALE UVA
HS-6L MALE UAV Flag of Belarus.svg Belarus
Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam
Jointly developed by Vietnam's Academy of Science and Technology with Belarus; completed in 2015 around November. [61] [62]

Specs:

  • Range: 4,000 km (claimed)
  • Endurance: 35 hours
  • Wingspan: 22 m
UAV2-20 MALE UAV Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam Resembles MQ-9 Reaper drone. Certain parts painted in red.
VU-MALE MALE UAV Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam Multi-purpose UAV. [63]

Specs:

  • Range: 1,000 km
  • Endurance: 12 hours
  • Operational features: Carry long range weaponry, high-precision weapons, and reconnaissance equipment
Small UVA
ARP-A-1 Reconnaissance Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam Payload of 1–3 kg. Classified as AI drone. Produced and developed by Viettel.
ARP-A-2 Reconnaissance Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam Payload of 3–7 kg. Classified as AI drone. Produced and developed by Viettel.

Munition

ImageModelTypeVariantQuantityOriginNotes
BT-100-120Practice Aerial Bomb Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam 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]

Procurement

  Procurement completed
  Procurement ongoing
  Procurement cancelled

Aircraft

Transport

ImageModelTypeVariantQuantityOriginNotes
C-130J 135th AS Maryland ANG in flight.jpg C-130J Transport3-13Flag of the United States.svg United States 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.

Trainer

ImageModelTypeVariantQuantityOriginNotes
Five T-6C Texan II (601-605) for Vietnam People's Air Force.jpg Beechcraft T-6 Texan II Trainer aircraft T-6C Texan II 7Flag of the United States.svg United States Delivery completed.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Embraer, In association with. "2025 World Air Forces directory". Flight Global. Retrieved 13 January 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Vietnamese People's Air Force (2025)". www.wdmma.org. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  3. "#790062". Arms Transfer Database. Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. 2024. doi:10.55163/SAFC1241.
  4. Ltd, Ovem Co. "Thi đua là động lực để Nhà máy A32 hoàn thành xuất sắc nhiệm vụ". www.phongkhongkhongquan.vn. Retrieved 9 January 2025.
  5. 1 2 "Peace Research Institute". Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. 2017. Archived from the original on 14 April 2010. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  6. 1 2 3 4 "World Air Forces 2024". Flight Global. Flightglobal Insight. 2023. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  7. 1 2 "Russian Helicopters plans first repairs of military helicopters in Vietnam". Vertical Mag. Retrieved 25 December 2024.
  8. 1 2 Akramov (22 April 2019). "Rostec opens helicopter engines repair center in Vietnam". MENADEFENSE. Retrieved 25 December 2024.
  9. Trí, Dân (6 November 2024). "Máy bay quân sự Yak-130 rơi tại Bình Định, 2 phi công nhảy dù thoát nạn". Báo điện tử Dân Trí (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 12 December 2024.
  10. "United States Expands U.S.-Vietnam Defense Cooperation with Delivery of T-6C Trainer Aircraft". Consulate General of the United States, Ho Chi Minh City . United States Department of State. 20 November 2024. Retrieved 20 November 2024. 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.
  11. "COMPACAF Attends Historic T-6C Aircraft Delivery to Vietnam". Pacific Air Forces . United States Air Force. 20 November 2024. Retrieved 20 November 2024. ...with the full complement of 12 T-6C aircraft scheduled for delivery by 2025.
  12. Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus) (25 March 2023). "Chủ tịch Quốc hội thăm chiến sỹ thi công Sân bay quân sự Phan Thiết". Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus) (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 31 January 2025.
  13. Doãn, Tuấn. "Change information according to publicly available information about the activities of the Vietnamese military in the news - Overall layout of Phan Thiet airport".
  14. "Regiment 920 successfully organized a staff flight at Phan Thiet airport". Vietnam.vn - Nền tảng quảng bá Việt Nam. 14 August 2024. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
  15. Fretay, Halna du. "Expansion of Unmanned Aerial Systems in Vietnam with M400-CT2 Drone". armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
  16. Huy, Giang; Ha, Son. "US fighter jets, drones showcased at Vietnam international defense expo". VnExpress International.
  17. "The Military Balance 2024". Routledge & CRC Press. Retrieved 28 January 2025.
  18. "Russian missiles to guard skies over Vietnam". atimes.com. Archived from the original on 30 June 2012. Retrieved 4 May 2015.
  19. "Trade Registers". armstrade.sipri.org. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
  20. "WIPO Publish". wipopublish.ipvietnam.gov.vn. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  21. "The Military Balance 2024, p. 326". IISS. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  22. "Hội thao, diễn tập chiến thuật phân đội hỏa lực tên lửa phòng không". qdnd.vn (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  23. "Báo VietnamNet". VietNamNet News (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 31 January 2025.
  24. hợp), Phong Vũ (Tổng (6 September 2019). "Báo Nga bình luận về pháo phòng không S-60 AZP Việt Nam tự nâng cấp - Tạp chí Doanh nghiệp Việt Nam". Cơ quan ngôn luận của Hiệp hội Doanh nghiệp Khoa học và Công nghệ Việt Nam (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  25. "KS-19 (100mm Air Defense Gun) 100mm Towed Anti-Aircraft Gun". www.militaryfactory.com. Retrieved 28 January 2025.
  26. "The Military Balance 2024". Routledge & CRC Press. Retrieved 28 January 2025.
  27. "Tại sao Việt Nam mua radar Kasta-2E2 loại vợt kép?". Giáo dục & Thời đại. 19 March 2020. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
  28. "3D L-Band Tactical Surveillance Radar". viettelhightech.vn. Retrieved 23 March 2025.
  29. "3D S-Band Medium-Range Surveillance Radar". viettelhightech.vn. Retrieved 23 March 2025.
  30. "3D S-Band Tactical Surveillance Radar". viettelhightech.vn. Retrieved 23 March 2025.
  31. "Medium-Altitute Surveillance Radar". viettelhightech.vn. Retrieved 23 March 2025.
  32. "Low-Altitude Surveillance Radar". viettelhightech.vn. Retrieved 23 March 2025.
  33. Thanh, Ngoc (21 December 2019). "Vietnam puts its advanced military might on show". VnExpress International.
  34. "DEFENSE STUDIES: Anti-Stealth Radar RV-02 Vietnam is Stronger than Imports". DEFENSE STUDIES. 19 January 2018.
  35. "Việt Nam sắm thêm vũ khí" [Vietnam buys more weapons]. BBC News Tiếng Việt (in Vietnamese). 20 February 2009. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
  36. Minh Anh. "Kolchuga radar troops join competition to raise competence". People's Army Newspaper Online. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
  37. VCCorp.vn (18 January 2015). "Mắt thần Vera-NG - Khắc tinh của máy bay tàng hình". soha.vn (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 20 November 2023.
  38. "Strong Signal: Vietnam is Growing its Indigenous EW Capability". www.jed-digital.com. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  39. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Trade Registers. Armstrade.sipri.org. Retrieved on 29 May 2015
  40. danviet.vn (14 March 2018). "Vietnamese Army with 100km-range infrared-homing missiles". danviet.vn (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  41. International Institute for Strategic Studies (2020). "Chapter Six: Asia". The Military Balance. 120 (1): 255. doi:10.1080/04597222.2020.1707967. S2CID   219627149.
  42. "Vietnam equipped RVV-AE to Su-30MK2". soha.vn. 20 April 2016.
  43. 1 2 3 . soha.vn. Retrieved on 26 June 2025
  44. "#786074". Arms Transfer Database. Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. 2024. doi:10.55163/SAFC1241.
  45. Toperczer 2001 , pp. 14, 58, 64, 95
  46. "KQND Việt Nam chuẩn bị vĩnh biệt tiêm kích MiG-21". Nguyễn Tấn Dũng. 18 November 2015. Archived from the original on 20 November 2015. Retrieved 27 April 2016.
  47. "#771977". Arms Transfer Database. Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. 2024. doi:10.55163/SAFC1241.
  48. Wragg 2011, pp. 330−331.
  49. Gordon 2008, pp. 403–410.
  50. Baugher, Joe. "1966 USAF Serial Numbers". Archived from the original on 15 February 2015. Retrieved 11 February 2015.
  51. Hunt, Julian. "Picture of the Cessna A-37A Dragonfly (318D) aircraft". Airliners.net. Demand Media, Inc. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  52. 1 2 "Vietnamese People's Air Force (2024)". www.wdmma.org. Retrieved 13 January 2025.
  53. 1 2 https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=66025
  54. "Đông Nam Á tăng cường năng lực cảnh báo, chống ngầm" (in Vietnamese). Báo Đất Việt. 22 February 2012. Archived from the original on 27 March 2012. Retrieved 27 April 2016.
  55. "Military Helicopter Market 1971 pg. 581" . Retrieved 3 April 2013.
  56. "World Air Forces". Flight International. 1987. p. 105. Retrieved 30 March 2013.
  57. "World Air Forces 1987 pg 105". flightglobal.com. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
  58. "World Air Forces 2015". Flightglobal Insight. 2015. Archived from the original on 19 October 2017. Retrieved 21 December 2014.
  59. "SimplePlanes | TL-1 Reconnaissance-Communication Aircraft". www.simpleplanes.com. Retrieved 6 February 2025.
  60. "Báo Anh hé mở thông tin về UAV hiện đại của Việt Nam". trithuccuocsong.vn. 12 November 2018.
  61. "Beyond ISR: is Vietnam developing an armed UAV?". IISS. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  62. Oryx. "Red Star Rising - Vietnam's Armed Drone Projects". Oryx. Retrieved 31 August 2024.
  63. "Báo VietnamNet". VietNamNet News (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 23 December 2024.
  64. Trạm tin QPVN (15 December 2024). NHỮNG SẢN PHẨM HIỆN ĐẠI "MADE IN VIETNAM" TẠI TRIỂN LÃM QUỐC PHÒNG QUỐC TẾ VIỆT NAM . Retrieved 7 February 2025 via YouTube.
  65. CNA (19 December 2024). Vietnam PM eyes expansion of defence cooperation to "build trust and prevent wars" . Retrieved 6 February 2025 via YouTube.
  66. CNA (23 December 2024). Vietnam wraps up defence expo with 16 contracts worth US$286m inked . Retrieved 6 February 2025 via YouTube.