Vietnam: Section 2 - Market Overview: Ongoing Programs and Future Requirements

摘要

The Vietnamese Air Force fixed- and rotary-wing fleets are largely composed of Soviet-legacy platforms. With the defense modernization efforts undertaken by Vietnam's neighbors - friend and foe alike - the need for Vietnam to replace much of its fleet has become apparent. The country has taken steps to acquire fighter aircraft, purchasing Su-30MK2 multirole fighters (2004, 2009, and 2013). However, improvement in the trainer and tactical transport fleets remains an imperative, as does a buildup of reconnaissance and UAV capabilities,. Combat Aircraft. The Vietnamese Air Force consists exclusively of Russian fighters. The Soviet-legacy fighters include the MiG-21 fleet, which was acquired in the early 1970s, and the Sukhoi Su-22 Fitter fleet, acquired in the early 1980s. Also featured is the Su-27 Flanker interceptor/ground attack fighter fleet acquired between 1994 and 1996. More recently, Vietnam has modernized its fighter component around the Sukhoi Su-30MK2 multipurpose combat aircraft. The first step in building the Su-30 fleet was taken in December 2003, when Vietnam acquired the first four MK fighters from Russia in a deal reportedly worth around $120 million. These four units were delivered in November 2004. The fleet began to expand in 2009, when Vietnam ordered the first of two batches of Su-30MK2s (a second batch was ordered in 2010) totaling 20 units. Deliveries were completed in 2012.