Viettel acts as dominant force in Vietnam’s military modernisation
Viettel has been modernising S-60 57mm antiaircraft gun batteries. Seen here behind one of the guns is a truck-mounted VRS-S55X radar for detecting aerial threats. (Photo: author)
Vietnam defence manufacturer Viettel, traditionally known for radar and communications equipment, has been moving into new areas including kinetic weapons and loitering munitions.
Viettel, owned by the Vietnam Ministry of National Defence, has become the Southeast Asian country largest defence company and was the most prominent exhibitor during the recent Vietnam International Defence Expo (VIDEX) in Hanoi.
Viettel, which has traditional strengths in radars and communications, has also moved into kinetic weapons such as the new VCS-01 Truong Son coastal defence missile system that entered Vietnam People’s Navy service in April 2024.
The VCS-01 complex fires the VSM-01A Song Hong missile which has a range of 80km and travels at high subsonic speeds. The VCS-01 comprises five truck-mounted elements: an 8x8 launcher vehicle;
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026]()
Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026
The Irish Government has previously outlined ambitious plans, the furthest reach of these being the possible purchase of fighter aircraft to provide a capability the country’s defence force currently doesn’t have. A more advanced procurement effort for a primary radar is being fast tracked.
-
![US Army LTAMDS enters production phase]()
US Army LTAMDS enters production phase
LTAMDS was approved in multiple flight trials and assessments.
-
![Technology transfer: how well does it work?]()
Technology transfer: how well does it work?
Technology transfer is trumpeted by many companies as a way to tap into new markets, win contracts and expand supply and manufacturing capability. It is often used in the area of armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) and these requirements are a way to see how – and if – they work.
-
![The challenge of making the inflatable illusion and training centre]()
The challenge of making the inflatable illusion and training centre
Faking aircraft, yanks and vehicles has a storied history through the previous century but there are others uses for inflatable systems such as more detailed and classified military equipment and training structures.
-
![Singapore’s DSTA and Sweden’s FMV to collaborate on land systems]()
Singapore’s DSTA and Sweden’s FMV to collaborate on land systems
New agreement between Singapore’s DSTA and Sweden’s FMV signals deepening cooperation on land systems, with potential focus on counter-UAS and mobile air defence solutions.
