But experts said Russia’s arms sales to the region are expected to decline because of sanctions on Russia as well as reputational damage to Russian equipment due to its battlefield performance in Ukraine.
Vietnam is ranked among the top buyers of Russia’s defence products, purchasing big-ticket items such as S-300 surface-to-air missile systems, Gepard-class frigates, Kilo-class submarines and Su-30 jet fighters.
“Tensions have erupted between Vietnam and China over the decades, mainly centred on the South China Sea. And Vietnam wants to have a military force in place that can provide a kind of limited deterrence towards China,” Dr Ian Storey, senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, told CNA.
“If push comes to shove, that could possibly give China a run for its money in the South China Sea.”
According to Vietnam’s state budget, the country allocated US$6.3 billion in 2021 for military spending. The number is forecast to increase by about 8.5 per cent per year, according to GlobalData, a data analytics and consulting firm.
POTENTIAL ISSUES
One expert, however, said it will take years for markets like Vietnam to switch to Western-made arms, due to issues like compatibility with existing systems.
Dr Storey said Vietnam cannot switch from Russian arms in the near term, given that most of its equipment is from Russia.
“Vietnam will need spare parts, it will need munitions, it will need upgrades from Russia. So it can’t quickly or easily switch to another country,” he said.
Besides the US, potential supplier India has also emerged as a top contender. India makes up the biggest contingent of exhibitors at the expo, after host country Vietnam.
Mr Radha Krishna, production director at Indian arms manufacturer Bharat Dynamics, told CNA that the Vietnam armed forces were showing interest in their AKASH weapon system, a short-range surface-to-air missile system.
“We are ready to work with them, cooperate with them, we are ready to work on joint development, joint production and joint manufacturing,” he said.
SHOW OF CAPABILITIES
The defence expo in Hanoi provides a rare glimpse into Vietnam’s military arsenal, with flying displays of eight out of Vietnam’s 35 Su-30 jet fighters marking the opening of the event on Thursday.
Vietnam also showcased some of its own defence products, such as light-weighted UAVs and short-range surveillance radar developed by local military firm Viettel.
The homemade subsonic anti-surface cruise missile VCM-01, one of the most significant achievements of Vietnam’s defence industries that are built based on Russia’s designs, is not on display at the show venue.
While some hailed Vietnam’s efforts to develop its own defence industry, military sources told CNA that it mainly aims to help Vietnam become more self-sufficient rather than export.
“It’s going to be a tough challenge for Vietnam if they want to become a player in the arms industry, said Dr Storey.
“It’s hard to break into that market.”
“You’re not dependent on other countries if you have your own arms industry, but getting to that point is will take decades,” he said.
Source: CNA
