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List of equipment of the Vietnam People's Air Force

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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.

Note that this list only consists of aircraft that are formally procured and commissioned; it does not consist of planned procurements or proposed domestic developments without actual procurement and entering service. The list also does not consist of vehicles owned and operated under the banner of Vietnam People's Navy or Vietnam Coast Guard.

Aircraft

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Combat Aircraft

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Image Model Type Variant Quantity Origin Notes
Sukhoi Su-22 Fighter-bomber Su-22UM3K
Su-22M4 		~43[1]  Soviet Union
 Vietnam 		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), so 43 Su-22 is the most approximate number of Su-22s in Vietnam.[2]

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-27SK
Su-27UBK 		10[3]  Russia
 Vietnam 		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. May have around 5 units.[4]

Overhaul done at A32 Factory.

Sukhoi Su-30 Multirole Su-30MK2

(Su-30MK2V)

35[3]  Russia
 Vietnam 		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

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Image Model Type Variant Quantity Origin Notes
CASA C-295 Transport C-295M 3[1]  Spain
CASA C-212 Transport NC-212i 3[1]  Indonesia
Antonov An-2 Transport AH-02 Unknown  Soviet Union Vietnam still uses the An-02 in unknown numbers for training, special forces parachuting practice, and light transport missions.

Helicopter

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Image Model Type Variant Quantity Origin Notes
Mil Mi-8 Utility Mi-8T 87[1]  Soviet Union
 Vietnam 		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.[5][6]

Similar to Mi-17.

Mil Mi-17 Utility Mi-171
Mi-172 		 Russia
 Vietnam 		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.[5][6]

Trainer

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Image Model Type Variant Quantity Origin Notes
Yakovlev Yak-130 Jet trainer / light multirole 11  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 of 2024.[7]

Aero L-39 Albatros Jet trainer L-39C
L-39NG 		24[1]
12 		 Czechslovak SR
 Czech Republic 		An unidentified number out of the 12 has been delivered as of early 2024.[8]
Beechcraft T-6 Texan II Trainer aircraft T-6C Texan II 5 (+7)  United States 5 delivered, 7 awaiting delivery, on an order for 12.

Delivery is expected to be completed by 2025.[9][10]

Yakovlev Yak-52 Trainer aircraft 34[11]  Soviet Union

Air Defense System

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Image Model Type Variant Quantity Origin Notes
Surface-to-Air Defense System
S-300PMU1 Long range air defense and anti-ballistic missile system. S-300PMU1 12 launchers  Russia Vietnam Two systems were acquired.[12]

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-MR Medium to long range air defense system. 30 launchers  Israel 80 km range.

Five systems (including 6 launchers each) and 750 missiles ordered.[13] 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.[14]

SPYDER-SR Short to medium range air defense system.  Israel 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. ~25 launchers  Soviet Union
 Vietnam 		~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  Soviet Union
 Vietnam 		~35 km range.

30 S-125TM Pechora-2TM and 21 S-125M Pechora-M batteries as of 2024.[15] The S-125-VT modernized variant was reported to be in service in July 2024.[16]

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  Soviet Union Tracked air defense system.
Anti-air Artillery
ZSU-23-4 Shilka Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun ZSU-23-4M1  Soviet Union
 Vietnam 		Modernization upgrade includes 4 Igla SAM launchers, digital fire-control system, thermal camera, day-night camera, laser range finder, electro-optic vision, improved weapon radar, replaced mechanical transmission with hydrostatic transmission, added hydraulic boosters, and significant speed improvement to turret traversal.

There are more additions.

ZU-23-2 Twin Autocannon 23mm-2M
23mm-2ML 		 Soviet Union
 Israel
 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.

AZP S-60 Autocannon  Soviet Union
 Vietnam 		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.[17]

Modernized for VPK-57 project. Fire-control system integrated with X-band AESA radar.

Munition

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Image Model Type Variant Quantity Origin Notes
Air-to-air Missile
K-13 (AA-2) Air-to-air missile 2,550  Soviet Union Used by former MiG-21 and Su-22M4/UM3K.

1000 R-3S, 800 R-3R, and 750 R-13M missiles.[18]

R-60 (AA-8) Air-to-air missile 400  Soviet Union Used by Su-22M4/UM3K fighter-bombers. [18]
R-27 (AA-10) Air-to-air missile 320  Russia
 Ukraine 		Used by Su-30MK2 and Su-27SK/UBK fighters. [19][20]
R-73 (AA-11) Air-to-air missile R-73E 375  Russia Used by Su-30MK2, Su-27SK/UBK and Yak-130. Short range missile.[18]
R-77 (AA-12) Air-to-air missile RVV-AE  Russia [21]
Air-to-surface Missile
Kh-59 (AS-13) Air-to-surface missile 200  Russia [18]
Kh-29 (AS-14) Air-to-surface missile 100  Russia [18]
Kh-31 (AS-17) Air-to-surface missile Kh-31A
Kh-31P 		100  Russia Kh-31 is carried by Vietnamese Su-30MK2. [18]

Former

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Combat Aircraft

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Image Model Type Variant Quantity Origin Notes
Shenyang J-6 Fighter 30  China
Shenyang J-5 Fighter 10  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.
MiG-21 Fishbed Fighter MiG-21bis
MiG-21UM
MiG-21PF
MiG-21PFM
MiG-21MF
MiG-21F-13 		645  Soviet Union Retired from service in November 2015.[22] 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  Soviet Union
MiG-17 Fresco Fighter MiG17A
MiG17P
MiG17PF 		367  Soviet Union
MiG-15 Fagot Fighter / Trainer  Soviet Union
Northrop F-5 Light ground-attack / Light fighter F-5A
F-5E 		191  United States Captured during Vietnam War.
Cessna A-37 Dragonfly Light ground-attack A-37A
A-37B 		254  United States Captured during Vietnam War.

Maritime patrol

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Image Model Type Variant Quantity Origin Notes
PZL M28 Maritime patrol M28B-1R[3] 1[1]  Poland Inactive.

Transport

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Image Model Type Variant Quantity Origin Notes
Antonov An-26 Transport ~30-48  Soviet Union [23]
Beriev Be-12 Transport 6  Soviet Union [24]
Lockheed C-130 Hercules Transport 7  United States Captured during Vietnam War. Still serviced after 1975 and retired after 1980
Fairchild C-119 Transport  United States Captured during Vietnam War.

Helicopter

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Image Model Type Variant Quantity Origin Notes
Mi24CP (modified) Mil Mi-24 Attack helicopter Mi-24A
Mi-24D 		~25-30  Soviet Union Limited number, small number store in reserve. Estimated to have around 25 units.[25]
Mi-4 Transport ~10  Soviet Union
Mi-6 Hook Transport Mil Mi-6 ~15-26  Soviet Union
CH-47 Chinook Transport CH-47A 5  United States Captured during Vietnam War.
UH-1 Iroquois Utility UH-1H 15  United States Captured during Vietnam War. Limited service as of 2000s.

Trainer

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Image Model Type Variant Quantity Origin Notes
Aero L-29 Trainer  Czechoslovakia
TL-1 Trainer  Vietnam Limited info. 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.[26][27]

HL-1 Trainer
HL-2 Trainer

Air Defense System

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Image Model Type Variant Quantity Origin Notes
61-K Autocannon  Soviet Union

 Vietnam

Stored in reserves.

37 mm automatic anti-air autocannon. Modernized with a fire-control system and radar.

Development

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This section will include weapons that are in the planning, development, or testing phase. It's 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.

Trainer

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Image Model Type Variant Quantity Origin Notes
TP-150 Trainer aircraft / Patrol  Italy

 Vietnam

Designed by Italian Flying Legend aircraft manufacturer and manufactured in Vietnam.[28]

Aircraft to be finalized in Italian and American factories.

Unknown if this aircraft will be adopted into the air force.

Procurement

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Transport

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Image Model Type Variant Quantity Origin Notes
C-130J 135th AS Maryland ANG in flight C-130J Transport (+13)  United States Vietnam reported to sign a deal with the US to purchase 13 C-130J.[29]

See Also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f "World Air Forces 2024". Flight Global. Flightglobal Insight. 2023. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  2. ^ "Vietnamese People's Air Force (2024)". www.wdmma.org. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
  3. ^ a b c "Peace Research Institute". Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. 2017. Archived from the original on 14 April 2010. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  4. ^ "Vietnamese People's Air Force (2024)". www.wdmma.org. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
  5. ^ a b "Russian Helicopters plans first repairs of military helicopters in Vietnam". Vertical Mag. Retrieved 25 December 2024.
  6. ^ a b Akramov (22 April 2019). "Rostec opens helicopter engines repair center in Vietnam". MENADEFENSE. Retrieved 25 December 2024.
  7. ^ 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.
  8. ^ Kadidal, Akhi; Narayanan, Prasobh. "Singapore Airshow 2024: Aero set to complete VPAF L-39NG deliveries". Janes.com. Janes Information Services. Retrieved 24 February 2024.
  9. ^ "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.
  10. ^ "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.
  11. ^ Doãn Tuấn (25 March 2023). "Chủ tịch Quốc hội thăm chiến sỹ thi công Sân bay quân sự Phan Thiết | Chính trị | Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus)". VietnamPlus (in Vietnamese). Vietnam News Agency. Retrieved 26 September 2023.
  12. ^ "Russian missiles to guard skies over Vietnam". atimes.com. Archived from the original on 30 June 2012. Retrieved 4 May 2015.
  13. ^ "Trade Registers". armstrade.sipri.org. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
  14. ^ "WIPO Publish". wipopublish.ipvietnam.gov.vn. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  15. ^ "The Military Balance 2024, p. 326". IISS. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  16. ^ "Hội thao, diễn tập chiến thuật phân đội hỏa lực tên lửa phòng không". qdnd.vn (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  17. ^ 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.
  18. ^ a b c d e f Trade Registers. Armstrade.sipri.org. Retrieved on 29 May 2015
  19. ^ danviet.vn (14 March 2018). "Vietnamese Army with 100km-range infrared-homing missiles". danviet.vn (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  20. ^ International Institute for Strategic Studies (2020). "Chapter Six: Asia". The Military Balance. 120 (1): 255. doi:10.1080/04597222.2020.1707967. S2CID 219627149.
  21. ^ "Vietnam equipped RVV-AE to Su-30MK2". soha.vn. 20 April 2016.
  22. ^ "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.
  23. ^ https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=66025
  24. ^ "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.
  25. ^ https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=66025
  26. ^ "TL-1 and HL-1 Made in Vietnam". Secret Projects Forum. 7 December 2009. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  27. ^ https://www.airliners.net/photo/Vietnam-Air-Force/TL-1-Tu-Luc/1245072
  28. ^ Triffaux. "Italian Flying Legend TP150 Set to Become the Vietnamese Air Force's Next Trainer Aircraft". armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
  29. ^ CNA (19 December 2024). Vietnam PM eyes expansion of defence cooperation to "build trust and prevent wars". Retrieved 26 December 2024 – via YouTube.
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