Create a free starter account, or log in.

Get access to four free articles per month, as well as our Decisive Edge Newsletters and Daily News Bulletin.

Email Address

Password

Forgot your password? Reset by clicking here

Create a Password

[[ req.met ? '✓' : '•' ]] [[ req.text ]]

Re-enter Password

Passwords do not match

First Name

Last Name

Country

Confirm your account

Please enter the four-digit pin below that has been emailed to you.

Didn't receive the pin yet?

This pin expires in 20 minutes.

[[ error ]]

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Stay informed with Shephard's award-winning journalism. Unlock unlimited access and in-depth analysis with a corporate or individual subscription.

Explore your options here

Vietnam buttresses SCS presence

17th August 2016 - 02:32 GMT | by Gordon Arthur in Hong Kong

RSS

News emerged last week that Vietnam had deployed mobile rocket launchers on some of its occupied islets in the Spratly chain in the South China Sea. If true, these would pose a military threat to China, as well as increase tensions.

The reports stated that Vietnam had discreetly shipped launchers to five of its South China Sea bases, where they remain hidden from aerial surveillance. While not yet armed it is believed they could be quickly fitted with long-range rockets.

Vietnam however denied these rumours with the Foreign Ministry described the reports as ‘inaccurate’.

Furthermore, in June the country’s deputy

Already have an account? Log in

Want to keep reading this article?

Gordon Arthur

Author

Gordon Arthur

Gordon Arthur was the Asia Pacific editor for Shephard Media. Born in Scotland and educated …

Read full bio

More from Naval Warfare

Raytheon’s Barracuda completes anti-mine tests as company looks to expand role

Raytheon successfully completed tests in February of the Barracuda uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) mine-neutralisation system which the company is building for the US Navy (USN).
UK Royal Navy Type 31 frigate enters capability insertion period with Babcock

The capability insertion phase will upgrade the navy's Type 31 frigates with modern systems in addition to those specified during its design phase.
Aselsan completes Barbaros frigate mid-life upgrade project

The upgrade has replaced a significant number of systems and elements with indigenous Turkish technology.
HII and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries sign MoU to explore shipbuilding collaboration

The Memorandum of Understanding focused on speeding up naval shipbuilding and production in both companies.
Latest Virginia-class submarine, USS Iowa, commissioned

SSN-797 was commissioned as USS Iowa, the first Virginia-class submarine of the second Trump administration. It was described as “just the beginning” of a revitalisation of US naval shipbuilding by Secretary of the Navy John Phelan.
Raytheon, Nammo and Northrop Grumman join forces to produce MK72 solid rocket motors

MK72 is a crucial capability for the SM-3 interceptors and the Aegis BMD system.