Vietnam People's Ground Forces

My vid about them

Training camps on hills



(4m wall)







1vs 2 fight with knife



going throught mine fields....




" >> Beam images 10 minutes to rescue hostages
Fierce sun, sweaty and yet proud faces, eyes bright gentle but strong, and solid. On the sports field, serious expressions and high concentration. It's the first impression when people get to see the soldiers from camp M13, Vinh Phuc region
 
The first training session start in the early morning and ended 10:30. On the vast hills wide, divided many regions, each region is a different terrain. These includes blockhaus, Barbed fences, minefields and the numerous obstacles is modeled as the actual battlefield. The soldiers will have to use the special ability to overcome all targets, destroying the enemy in the shortest time ...
 
Reputation of the special team from Vietnam has been confirmed a long time. "

aka Sappers
Translation from article http://dantri.com.vn/c20/s20-301283/linh-dac-cong-viet-nam-danh-bat-hu-truyen.htm

List of equipment of the Vietnam People's Ground Forces

Vietnam prioritizes economic development and growth while maintaining defense spending in a trickle. Vietnam does not conduct the procurement phase or major upgrade of weapons. From the end of the 1990s the Government of Vietnam has announced the acquisition of a number of strategic systems equipped with modern weapons. Accordingly, Vietnam has been slow to develop naval and air forces to control shallow waters and exclusive economic zone.

Currently most defense procurement programs are primarily made to remedy this priority. For example, Vietnam has purchased a number of combat aircraft and warships that have the ability to combat in high seas. Vietnam also plans to develop the defense industry, with priority for the Navy, combined with its former communist allies and India.

In 2006, Israel reported to the United Nations Register Organization of Conventional Arms (UNROCA) that two light armored vehicles had been sold to Vietnam. A number of Israeli companies won a bid to modernize and upgrade T-54/55 tanks. Israel's program includes upgrading armor, night vision system and a fire control system upgrade (produced in Poland).

On May 2002, Vietnam and Ukraine reached an agreement of military technical cooperation which extended to 2005. Accordingly, Ukraine will support Vietnam primarily to upgrade armor and artillery, weapons co-production and repair.

In February 2005, the Ministry of Defense of Finland ceded to Vietnam about 70 tanks T-54 and T-55 from the Soviet era.

In early March 2005, Poland signed a contract to sell to Vietnam 150 T-72 tanks which would've been used to support training, ammunition, equipment maintenance and repair but this contract was canceled in 2006 because Vietnam wanted to investment more on its Navy and Air Force .

In addition to upgrading tanks, the Ministry of Defense of Vietnam signed a military cooperation agreement with Russia.

The Vietnamese have also developed the capacity to produce their own equipment and repaired existing equipment.


Tanks
   T-62 Main battle tank (70)
   T-54/55 Main battle tank (850)
   Type-59 Main battle tank (350)
   Type 62 Light tank (200)
   PT-76 Light tank (300)
   PT-85 Light tank (50)
   Type-63 Amphibious light tank (150)
   SU-100 Tank destroyer (100)


Self-Propelled Artillery
   SU-100 Self-Propelled Artillery 100 mm (more than 20)
   2S1 Gvozdika Self-Propelled Artillery 122 mm (100-150)
   2S3 Akatsiya Self-Propelled Artillery (30)


IFV / APCs
   M-113 Tracked armored personnel carrier (200)
   Type 63 Tracked armoured personnel carrier (100)
   BMP-1 Infantry fighting vehicle (150)
   BMP-2 Infantry fighting vehicle (150)
   BTR-50 Tracked armoured personnel carrier (400)
   BTR-60 (8x8) Wheeled armoured personnel carrier (400)
   BTR-70 (8x8) Wheeled armoured personnel carrier (150)
   V-150 (4x4)Wheeled armoured personnel carrier (300)
   BRDM-1 Reconnaissance vehicle (50)
   BRDM-2 Reconnaissance vehicle (50)
   RAM MkIII Armored Mine Protected Vehicle (200)

Vietnam is negotiating the purchase of self-propelled howitzers CAESAR

Looks similiar to AMV upgrade.

"The old Soviet-made SU-100 tracked tank killer is still in service with the Vietnamese armed forces. The SU-100 was used extensively during the last year of World War II and saw service for many years afterwards with the armies of Soviet allies around the world. Of course, SU-100 cannot be used to destroy modern main battle tanks but the ammunition can penetrate armour of light tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and armoured personnel carrier. SU-100 APC-T can penetrate armour of 180mm at maximum of 1,000 m."









Sources:
http://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/the_old_soviet-made_su-100_tank_killer_still_in_service_with_the_vietnamese_armed_forces_12609152.html
https://twitter.com/Tom_Antonov/status/647738668619288576

too obsolete equipment for Ground Forces

Completely agree, Vietnam's ground equipment is heavily obsolete.

They really don't need the latest due to the thick jungles there, that will reduce engagement ranges to a minimum.

But they can certainly do with surplus T-72s to replace all older models (possibly transfer older model tanks to act as HE fire-support for infantry), Kornet-E Tigr anti-tank vehicles & Sprut-B anti-tank guns to replace the SU-100s, surplus BTR-80As to replace the BTR-50s/60s/70s, modernization for the BMP-1/BMP-2, modernization of the PT-76s, upgrading the Gvozdika's to 2S34 standard and upgrading the Akatsiyas with GLONASS.

flamming_python wrote:Completely agree, Vietnam's ground equipment is heavily obsolete.

They really don't need the latest due to the thick jungles there, that will reduce engagement ranges to a minimum.

But they can certainly do with surplus T-72s to replace all older models (possibly transfer older model tanks to act as HE fire-support for infantry), Kornet-E Tigr anti-tank vehicles & Sprut-B anti-tank guns to replace the SU-100s, surplus BTR-80As to replace the BTR-50s/60s/70s, modernization for the BMP-1/BMP-2, modernization of the PT-76s, upgrading the Gvozdika's to 2S34 standard and upgrading the Akatsiyas with GLONASS.

Israel can update and overhaul their M113s too, i wouldnt update PT76s myself or their Type 62 for that matter, id rather replace them with navalised BMP3 or Chinese Type 63A. However i belive they wanted to update their T55s to T-55M3 standard for 10 batallions.

"According to various sources, as of 2012 Vietnam had approximately 600 to 850 Russian-made T-54/T-55 main battle tanks. Vietnam People's Army planned to upgrade about 10 T-54/T-55 tank battalions, each battalion equipped with 31 tanks.

The T-55 upgrade in Vietnam was based on the prototype M-55S1, specified as T-55M3. This is an upgrade for T-55 which was ageing and obsolete. This upgrade package that included a tank retrofit to reach the standards of a modern battle. The T-55M3 are equipped with a range of modern sensors, digital ballistic computer, search systems and laser targeting devices, observed in the darkness. T-55M3 is equipped with a digital ballistic computer Fontana SGS-55 2-axis stabilization, have the ability to shoot while moving.

Ballistic computer supported by meteorological sensors MAWS6056B allows calculating the effect of wind speed to the shell, thereby hitting targets more accurately. The tank commander has COMTOS-55 command system, allowing commanders to intervene in the selection process the objective of the gunner. Gunner observation system retains a TPN-10, drive with integrated observation system for day/night observation angles CODRIS Fontana 80 degrees during the day and 78 degrees at night, it also integrates more passive night vision system Codris. T-55M3 is equipped with a fire control system 3 EFCS-55B, digital communication systems BROM RC 4. Armament on the T-55M3 include numerous upgrades. The tank used the 105 mm L7/M68 main gun to replace the 100 mm gun. The L7 can fire a variety of ammunition, including anti-tank round HEAT, round APFSDS armour-piercing shells. The M426 Israeli APFSDS armour-piercing shells could penetrate a thick homogeneous armor 450mm at a distance of 2,000 meters. In addition, optional window 7 gun, anti-aircraft 12, 7 mm, tanks are equipped with additional 60 mm mortar, the same as Israel's Merkava tanks. The addition of the 60 mm mortar enables dealing effectively with high targets in urban warfare or hilly areas.

To enhance protection for the tank, the T-55M3 are equipped with Israeli Blazer reactive box armor created, capable of very good resistance against anti-tank weapons. The rear turret was fitted with the hanging in chains in order to reduce the effect of RPG-7 anti-tank weapons [as seen on the Merkava]. Tanks supplemented by skirts protecting sides of the vehicle. In addition to enhancing armor, T-55M3 tanks are equipped with laser warning system when the tanks were illuminated, the system will alert the crew back and activate smoke grenades side turret to interfere with the line of sight of the enemy anti-tank weapons. The old engine was replaced by the German MTU MT881 engines of 1,000 HP with a new gear system allows the tank reaches a maximum speed of 60 km/h, 500 km range."

Upgrading the T-55 takes up a significant amount of money but for not much gained - upgrading such an old tank, using an obsolete and nowadays poorly supported gun calibre, can only serve only as a temporary stop-gap at best.

They would have best been served not spending any money on these tanks at all, loading them up with pure HE ammo, and transferring them to support infantry/BMPs to live out the rest of their lives; or converting their chassis for other uses - fire-fighting, vehicle recovery, bridge-laying, anti-tank platform, or even heavy APC.

Buying surplus T-72Bs, or older surplus T-72s but upgraded to T-72B standards, together with modern FCS and ammo, would have been a better solution.
The T-72 frame has at least 3 decades left of viable life in it; it can be upgraded again and again. The tank cannon is a standard 125mm one, that will be compatible with new models of ammo as they come out. Because of the ubiquity of T-72s and T-90s today and in the future; spare parts, and further upgrades will be numerous and not a problem to acquire.

flamming_python wrote:Upgrading the T-55 takes up a significant amount of money but for not much gained - upgrading such an old tank, using an obsolete and nowadays poorly supported gun calibre, can only serve only as a temporary stop-gap at best.

They would have best been served not spending any money on these tanks at all, loading them up with pure HE ammo, and transferring them to support infantry/BMPs to live out the rest of their lives; or converting their chassis for other uses - fire-fighting, vehicle recovery, bridge-laying, anti-tank platform, or even heavy APC.

Buying surplus T-72Bs, or older surplus T-72s but upgraded to T-72B standards, together with modern FCS and ammo, would have been a better solution.
The T-72 frame has at least 3 decades left of viable life in it; it can be upgraded again and again. The tank cannon is a standard 125mm one, that will be compatible with new models of ammo as they come out. Because of the ubiquity of T-72s and T-90s today and in the future; spare parts, and further upgrades will be numerous and not a problem to acquire.

Well they mentioned guns on T55M3 would be replaced with UK built L7s, and on T62 with Israeli built MG253 L44 120mm. But there is no reason that would prevent them from using 120/125mm guns to my knowledge, Ukrainians offer T55M8A2 and T55AGM modernisation with both calibers. So if Vietnam asks for other gun, contractor shall deliver, no reason not to. On other hand there is quite alot of systems that use 105mm guns around still, so ammo wont be much of an issue, there are some pretty potent ammunition types in existence.

And israel is still marketing its M426: http://www.imi-israel.com/vault/documents/105mm%20m426_dm63_nt-001_s.pdf

Some 105mm ammunition types:

Vietnamese modernization of MLRS "Grad"

Qdnd.vn claimed that the improved Vietnamese BM-21 has better accuracy, data processing, and fire rate. Preparation time decreases from 14 min to 120 sec. Crew size from 5 member down to 4 member. Aiming, navigation and calculation of firing was partly computerized.

So it is not the same as the Russian upgrade where the vehicle can now fire from unsurveyed sites where the crew of two aim and fire from within the cabin, with computer representation on digital maps showing the launcher and target area in 3D, with all aiming done automatically and a large reduction in time at the firing position.

In the article “Building the air force – no modern army, firmly safeguard the sky” in the newspaper People’s Army, Lieutenant General Le Huy Vinh, Commander of the Air Defense – Air Force has provided about the Vietnam ordered SPYDER advanced air defense missile system. “To meet the requirements of the construction task Force KQ PK-modern, the past few years, people have actively implemented many projects to improve and enhance the life and features of all kinds VKTBKT . At the same time, investment gradually procurement of new VKTBKT, combining modern radar ELM-2288 planes / ER, radio 36D6 radar planes, passive radar Kolchuga passive sensor; Missile SPYDER , S-300PMU1, S-125-2TM; multirole fighters Su-30MK2, C-295; intelligence management system automatically VQ 98-01, VQ-1M, VQ-2 …; in collaboration with Viettel Mobile research, producing radar RV-D1, VRS-S, VRS-W .. . ” The SPYDER is listed next to the weapons, modern weapons in service by Vietnamese People’s Army that we have officially confirmed the purchase of air defense missile system is superior. This is a logical step after the preparation as sending staff to improve their academic English or built battle to be ready to receive new weaponry. Although unclear Vietnam SPYDER version option is a short-range variant SPYDER-SR or midrange SPYDER-MR , but this combination is the necessary complement to the S-300PMU1, S-125-2TM and gradually replaced generation systems Strela-10 or S-75M outdated.

Since this is somewhat of a SHORAD i suppose ill place it here. I did not see anywhere Vietnamese air force thread.



Source: http://defence-blog.com/news/vietnam-officially-confirmed-order-spyder-advanced-sam-systems.html

i can only decypher "temperature" The rest is barely visible.

Says something about a temperature range - like the technical specifications of whatever this thing is.

Some horrid english but oh well

"Border War In 1979, Soviet aid to Vietnam has large weapons, including self-propelled guns ASU-85 that Vietnam called SU-85. In May 10/2015, 168 Artillery Brigade under the Military Region conducted two rounds of water testing shot for SU-85. This is the amphibious assault guns ASU-85 road not used commonly in units Soviet paratroopers in the decade 1960-1970. Thus, after many years of long-term archive, to date some Vietnam artillery units, including units of the military-fire gave ASU-85 self-propelled guns back staffing, training ready fight.

Amphibious assault guns ASU-85 air using PT-76 chassis, the famous swimming tank has been involved in several major campaigns, up resounding victories during the two resistance wars against the US and war border protection. ASU-85 was redesigned rather than PT-76, it is no longer the main turrets firepower that is attached directly to the body of the tank, through which the overall height and weight reduction from the original car, special particularly suitable for the transport aircraft. ASU-85 self-propelled gun used fire and assist the infantry attack or defense, it can kill tanks, light armored vehicles. One of the remarkable advantages of this gun is relatively small but fast maneuverability in various terrain, including swampy areas, or with steep slopes, make sure to follow firepower aid? for the military wing, including advances in high-speed practice.



D70 85mm caliber main gun, a maximum range of 10km, is derived from D-48 anti-tank guns can fire anti-tank ammunition, high explosive projectile thrown pieces with the number 45 members. In addition, the vehicle is equipped with coaxial machine gun 7.62 mm PKT SGMT or with the 2,000 members of bullets. TShK-2-79 viewfinder simultaneously control both the main battery and coaxial machine gun. With high explosive anti-tank rounds 3BK-7, ASU-85 can easily destroy the tanks, light armored vehicles with 192mm steel armor penetration hit 60 degrees in angle from approximately 1,000m distance.



When firing in the dark conditions, poor lighting, crew gunners supported by TPN1-79-11 night vision goggles combined with reconnaissance equipment infrared L-2. Vehicles equipped with radio communication system R-113 and the internal communication system R-120 crew. According to photos published version ASU-85 self-propelled artillery of the 168 Brigade is equipped with machine guns 12.7mm dshk-M with the park some 600 bullets, may be the most modern version of the line this cannon, NATO designation is ASU-85 M1974. However, this version (sometimes called ASU-85M) only have the number of shells is 39 members, down slightly compared to the previous version. In the Soviet Union, ASU-85 cannon weighs 15.5 tons, fitted with cargo compartment of a variety of transport aircraft and in accordance with the ability of the hook hanging helicopter Mi-6 large as or Mi- ten.



Vietnam Air Force previously had also operated a number of helicopters Mi-6 moon, contributing to a very positive move for the MiG-21 fighters to areas or airports evacuated to makeshift enemy ambush. Today, Mi-6 was eliminated border, while air transport Vietnam mainly use smaller aircraft, with the load and limited cargo compartment does not have any non-road vehicles can conduct ASU-85 transport or airdrop mobility. Known as self-propelled artillery landed, but in fact, with Vietnam, ASU-85 is essentially a conventional self-propelled gun as the other type 2S1 or 2S3, it is no longer whether, not missiles braking and not "go cloudy, the wind" again. The ASU-85 was re-put into use has contributed to enhanced firepower Military Region level, particularly suitable for areas with complex terrain, fragmented, hilly, steep, does not require firing range too far."

Source: http://defense-studies.blogspot.rs/2016/03/about-asu-85-self-propelled-guns-of.html

Yes they brought it back to service

i actually think upgraded T-55 something like what Egypt did with theirs they called them Ramses II, is actually quite reasonable and for the jungles of Vietnam smaller lighter tanks might be better, they could also convert them to BTR-T, but the rest of their items either need upgrading i.e BMP-1, BMP-2, 2S3, 2S1, BM-21, T-62. I would phase out the most of the other tanks maybe upgrade some PT-76 with the 57mm gun like the Russians did, i would then buy some surplus T-72 and have them upgraded. I would also buy some Smerch, 2S19, BTR-82A, including 2S23, BMP-3 including 2S31 and AT-15 versions, TIGR-M including Kornet variant, and get rid of the USA M113 and buy MT-LB including various versions, and upgrade the BDRM-2 to carry AT-6, the rest of the wheeled stuff can be cover by TIGR-M and BTR-82A,

Vietnam is considering the purchase of 28 T-90MS modern tanks from Russia

http://defence-blog.com/army/vietnam-is-considering-the-purchase-of-28-t-90ms-modern-tanks-from-russia.html

The Vietnamese army received batch of "KAMAZ" trucks

According to the Vietnamese web resource soha.vn, PJSC "KAMAZ" put the Vietnam People's Army party trucks KAMAZ-43253 4x4. Vietnam plans to replace the thousands of brands of cars "ZIL" and "Ural" is still the Soviet release of new trucks in Russia.

Vietnam People's Armed Forces in the past few years been actively purchasing new KAMAZ vehicles of various modifications. In May, 2016 on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum
CEO of PJSC "KAMAZ" Sergey Kogogin said that in 2015 his company delivered 700 cars in Vietnam, and that he expects that by 2016 this figure will reach 1,000 cars.

http://bmpd.livejournal.com/2075069.html

Vietnam received another battery of the Israeli air defense complex







http://bmpd.livejournal.com/2452847.html

105-mm howitzer M101 on the chassis of the truck "Ural" in Vietnam



In Vietnam, the further development of the pilot installation of the American howitzer M101A1 on the chassis of the Russian truck Ural was presented.

The first pilot plant was introduced in 2014.



The Vietnamese Armed Forces, having studied the world and especially the South Korean experience, in the creation and use of mobile howitzers, began to develop their own version.

The tool itself is an American howitzer, developed back in the Second World War and is still in the arsenal of the armies of many countries of the world. The decision with the use of existing technical developments to create a self-propelled gun mount, allows to reduce development and operation costs. The cannon uses artillery shells 105x372R, the combat mass of howitzer is 2260 kg, the angle of vertical guidance is from -5 to 66 degrees, the angle of horizontal guidance is 46 degrees in each direction, the initial speed of the projectile is 472 m / s, the maximum range of fire is more than 11 km.

The upgraded installation, designated as M-3, is the deployment of the US 105 mm howitzer M101A1 to the partially armored in Vietnam chassis Ural-375D with an additional 12.7 mm machine gun.

http://bmpd.livejournal.com/2561259.html