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@Carlosa Vietnam Foreign Minister Minh is scheduled to visit Washington by tomorrow. he will meet John Kerry. I think we can expect some positive outcomes. Minh is a pro-US man. What is your opinion?
What to Expect If the US Lifts Its Vietnam Arms Embargo | The Diplomat
What are the expected short-term effects of the U.S. lifting its arms embargo on Vietnam?
By Ankit Panda
September 29, 2014
Last week, I had the pleasure of participating in a panel discussion at the Asia Society with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, who was in New York City to attend the United Nations General Assembly. During the Q&A portion of the event, Min called for the United States to lift its embargo on lethal arms sales to Vietnam, describing the embargo as “abnormal.” He went on to imply that relations between Vietnam and the United States will be normal once the ban is lifted:
“Nearly 20 years ago, we normalized relations with the United States and in 2013 we set up a comprehensive partnership with the United States. So the relation[ship] is normal and the ban on the lethal weapons to Vietnam is abnormal. So we lift the ban, meaning that the relation is normal, even though we have normalized the relation[ship] 20 years ago.”
Minh is heading to Washington D.C. in early October for discussions with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry while U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is scheduled for a trip to Vietnam later this year.
Minh’s remarks came less than 24 hours after a Reuters exclusive report cited comments by senior U.S. officials suggesting that the embargo would be on the agenda during Minh’s visit to the United States. According to that report, the Lockheed P-3 Orion surveillance aircraft may be one of the first items on Vietnam’s wish-list. The P-3 would be a major capability boost for the Vietnamese navy as it seeks to increase its maritime patrol and reconnaissance capabilities. The P-3 is also adept in anti-surface ship and anti-submarine warfare.
The P-3 has an estimated unit cost of $36 million. Within the United States, there is broad support in both the executive and the legislative for bringing the U.S. and Vietnam closer amid increasing Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea. Lifting the embargo represents one of the surest ways for the United States to reap important diplomatic dividends from Vietnam in the region as it seeks to bolster its pivot to Asia. One other such critical area for increasing cooperation is Vietnam’s potential accession to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which remains a work-in-progress.
When asked if the lifting of the U.S. lethal arms embargo would upset China, Minh seemed at ease, remarking, ”If we do not buy weapons from the United States, we still buy [weapons] from other countries. So, why should China be bothered by that?” At no point did he deny Vietnam’s ongoing multi-billion dollar military modernization effort, which is aimed primarily at countering Chinese advances in the South China Sea. Earlier this year, in May, China placed an oil rig in waters claimed by Vietnam as part of its exclusive economic zone under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). That incident exposed the growing differences between Vietnam and China, two countries that once enjoyed close relations owing to inter-communist party solidarity (indeed, following the oil rig incident, Vietnam’s defense minister described it as a petty disagreement between “brothers”).
While Minh addressed the issue of the U.S. arms embargo in the context of Vietnam’s relationship with China, he was careful to emphasize that his country sees international law and multilateralism as the way forward in the South China Sea. ”Never before have we seen a greater risk for miscalculation and incidents that might escalate into military conflicts, as in the past few months,” he said. However, during his opening remarks, he noted that “Vietnam seeks to resolve the disputes in the South China Sea by available peaceful means, based on the rule of international law.”
For Vietnam, while the United States can be an appealing partner for defense procurement, there are other compelling partners, including Russia and India. During a visit to Hanoi earlier in September, Indian President Pranab Mukherjee signed a memorandum of understanding that included the extension of a $100 million credit line to facilitate Vietnamese defense procurement. More critically, Vietnam sourced six improved Kilo-class submarines from Russia to add to its fleet of Soviet-era naval hardware. Vietnam is also interested in purchasing the jointly developed Russo-Indian BrahMos supersonic cruise missile in a deal that is likely only awaiting a nod of approval from Moscow. Additionally, earlier this year, Japan indicated its eagerness to expand defense cooperation with Vietnam.
While cooperation between these two countries is still growing, it could easily lead to Vietnam sourcing Japanese defense equipment amid the latter relaxing its ban on weapons exports. To echo Deputy Prime Minister Minh’s remarks in New York last week, Vietnam indeed has other partners to source its defense hardware. With the exception of Japan, the United States remains considerably better positioned to actually help Vietnam, which relies primarily on Soviet-era equipment, modernize its military.
Critically, Minh clarified that his comments on the embargo and on Vietnam-U.S. relations should be taken at face value and do not indicate a burgeoning alliance of any sort. To this end, Minh reiterated Vietnam’s “three nos” defense policy: say no to military alliances, say no to foreign bases on Vietnamese soil, and say no to relying on any external country for assistance in combat. Nothing in Minh’s remarks indicated that Vietnam’s military modernization program or desire to see the U.S. arms embargo lifted would lead to it fundamentally altering the underlying principles that guide its foreign policy. Despite its “three nos” policy, should the embargo be lifted, Vietnam will come closer to aligning itself with a concert of Asia-Pacific democracies including the United States, India and Japan that remain concerned about Chinese irredentism and assertiveness in the South China Sea. Nevertheless, it seems Hanoi remains adamant about maintaining its strategic autonomy — it just wants to do so with the most modern configuration of military hardware it can afford.
If and when the U.S. decides to lift the arms embargo, the consequences will likely not be far-reaching in the region. It will usher a new era of deeper bilateral relations between Washington and an old foe, but will not critically alter the maritime security dilemma or balance of power that are shaping current security dynamics in the South China Sea. Hanoi won’t immediately be emboldened vis-a-vis Beijing, nor will it change its behavior to suit U.S. expectations (on human rights, for example).
For the United States, boosting Vietnam’s ability to patrol and monitor its own waters will help maintain the regional status quo in line with the objectives of its pivot to Asia.
The U.S. decision to lift the embargo on lethal arms sales to Vietnam is likely impending and first and foremost speaks to a growing confluence of interests between the two countries. Deputy Prime Minister Minh’s emphasis on normalization was thus well-placed — there’s only so far the U.S. and Vietnam can go with the arms embargo still in place.
What to Expect If the US Lifts Its Vietnam Arms Embargo | The Diplomat
What are the expected short-term effects of the U.S. lifting its arms embargo on Vietnam?
By Ankit Panda
September 29, 2014
Last week, I had the pleasure of participating in a panel discussion at the Asia Society with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, who was in New York City to attend the United Nations General Assembly. During the Q&A portion of the event, Min called for the United States to lift its embargo on lethal arms sales to Vietnam, describing the embargo as “abnormal.” He went on to imply that relations between Vietnam and the United States will be normal once the ban is lifted:
“Nearly 20 years ago, we normalized relations with the United States and in 2013 we set up a comprehensive partnership with the United States. So the relation[ship] is normal and the ban on the lethal weapons to Vietnam is abnormal. So we lift the ban, meaning that the relation is normal, even though we have normalized the relation[ship] 20 years ago.”
Minh is heading to Washington D.C. in early October for discussions with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry while U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is scheduled for a trip to Vietnam later this year.
Minh’s remarks came less than 24 hours after a Reuters exclusive report cited comments by senior U.S. officials suggesting that the embargo would be on the agenda during Minh’s visit to the United States. According to that report, the Lockheed P-3 Orion surveillance aircraft may be one of the first items on Vietnam’s wish-list. The P-3 would be a major capability boost for the Vietnamese navy as it seeks to increase its maritime patrol and reconnaissance capabilities. The P-3 is also adept in anti-surface ship and anti-submarine warfare.
The P-3 has an estimated unit cost of $36 million. Within the United States, there is broad support in both the executive and the legislative for bringing the U.S. and Vietnam closer amid increasing Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea. Lifting the embargo represents one of the surest ways for the United States to reap important diplomatic dividends from Vietnam in the region as it seeks to bolster its pivot to Asia. One other such critical area for increasing cooperation is Vietnam’s potential accession to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which remains a work-in-progress.
When asked if the lifting of the U.S. lethal arms embargo would upset China, Minh seemed at ease, remarking, ”If we do not buy weapons from the United States, we still buy [weapons] from other countries. So, why should China be bothered by that?” At no point did he deny Vietnam’s ongoing multi-billion dollar military modernization effort, which is aimed primarily at countering Chinese advances in the South China Sea. Earlier this year, in May, China placed an oil rig in waters claimed by Vietnam as part of its exclusive economic zone under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). That incident exposed the growing differences between Vietnam and China, two countries that once enjoyed close relations owing to inter-communist party solidarity (indeed, following the oil rig incident, Vietnam’s defense minister described it as a petty disagreement between “brothers”).
While Minh addressed the issue of the U.S. arms embargo in the context of Vietnam’s relationship with China, he was careful to emphasize that his country sees international law and multilateralism as the way forward in the South China Sea. ”Never before have we seen a greater risk for miscalculation and incidents that might escalate into military conflicts, as in the past few months,” he said. However, during his opening remarks, he noted that “Vietnam seeks to resolve the disputes in the South China Sea by available peaceful means, based on the rule of international law.”
For Vietnam, while the United States can be an appealing partner for defense procurement, there are other compelling partners, including Russia and India. During a visit to Hanoi earlier in September, Indian President Pranab Mukherjee signed a memorandum of understanding that included the extension of a $100 million credit line to facilitate Vietnamese defense procurement. More critically, Vietnam sourced six improved Kilo-class submarines from Russia to add to its fleet of Soviet-era naval hardware. Vietnam is also interested in purchasing the jointly developed Russo-Indian BrahMos supersonic cruise missile in a deal that is likely only awaiting a nod of approval from Moscow. Additionally, earlier this year, Japan indicated its eagerness to expand defense cooperation with Vietnam.
While cooperation between these two countries is still growing, it could easily lead to Vietnam sourcing Japanese defense equipment amid the latter relaxing its ban on weapons exports. To echo Deputy Prime Minister Minh’s remarks in New York last week, Vietnam indeed has other partners to source its defense hardware. With the exception of Japan, the United States remains considerably better positioned to actually help Vietnam, which relies primarily on Soviet-era equipment, modernize its military.
Critically, Minh clarified that his comments on the embargo and on Vietnam-U.S. relations should be taken at face value and do not indicate a burgeoning alliance of any sort. To this end, Minh reiterated Vietnam’s “three nos” defense policy: say no to military alliances, say no to foreign bases on Vietnamese soil, and say no to relying on any external country for assistance in combat. Nothing in Minh’s remarks indicated that Vietnam’s military modernization program or desire to see the U.S. arms embargo lifted would lead to it fundamentally altering the underlying principles that guide its foreign policy. Despite its “three nos” policy, should the embargo be lifted, Vietnam will come closer to aligning itself with a concert of Asia-Pacific democracies including the United States, India and Japan that remain concerned about Chinese irredentism and assertiveness in the South China Sea. Nevertheless, it seems Hanoi remains adamant about maintaining its strategic autonomy — it just wants to do so with the most modern configuration of military hardware it can afford.
If and when the U.S. decides to lift the arms embargo, the consequences will likely not be far-reaching in the region. It will usher a new era of deeper bilateral relations between Washington and an old foe, but will not critically alter the maritime security dilemma or balance of power that are shaping current security dynamics in the South China Sea. Hanoi won’t immediately be emboldened vis-a-vis Beijing, nor will it change its behavior to suit U.S. expectations (on human rights, for example).
For the United States, boosting Vietnam’s ability to patrol and monitor its own waters will help maintain the regional status quo in line with the objectives of its pivot to Asia.
The U.S. decision to lift the embargo on lethal arms sales to Vietnam is likely impending and first and foremost speaks to a growing confluence of interests between the two countries. Deputy Prime Minister Minh’s emphasis on normalization was thus well-placed — there’s only so far the U.S. and Vietnam can go with the arms embargo still in place.
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Viet
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Vietnam acquires unmanned Orbiter 2
By: ARIE EGOZI
TEL AVIV
Source: Flightglobal.com
a day ago
Vietnam has acquired the Orbiter 2 unmanned air system (UAS) for use as an aerial forward observation asset for its artillery corps.
The Orbiter 2 is manufactured by Israel's Aeronautics Defense Systems, which says using a UAS instead of a ground-based forward observation officer will provide an improved "first round on target" capability for its customer. An Orbiter 2 flying at 2,000ft can supply artillery units with the co-ordinates of "a number" of targets, it adds.
Aeronautics sources say the Orbiter 2 is also now being offered by Rafael as part of deals that include the latter's Spike air-to-surface missiles, and by Israel Military Industries along with its surface-to-surface rockets.
An upgraded version of the Aeronautics aircraft is also available, with the Orbiter 2B capable of navigating independently to complete a mission, even if GPS is jammed or communication links lost. This variant also can carry payloads to assist with intelligence gathering.
By: ARIE EGOZI
TEL AVIV
Source: Flightglobal.com
a day ago
Vietnam has acquired the Orbiter 2 unmanned air system (UAS) for use as an aerial forward observation asset for its artillery corps.
The Orbiter 2 is manufactured by Israel's Aeronautics Defense Systems, which says using a UAS instead of a ground-based forward observation officer will provide an improved "first round on target" capability for its customer. An Orbiter 2 flying at 2,000ft can supply artillery units with the co-ordinates of "a number" of targets, it adds.
Aeronautics sources say the Orbiter 2 is also now being offered by Rafael as part of deals that include the latter's Spike air-to-surface missiles, and by Israel Military Industries along with its surface-to-surface rockets.
An upgraded version of the Aeronautics aircraft is also available, with the Orbiter 2B capable of navigating independently to complete a mission, even if GPS is jammed or communication links lost. This variant also can carry payloads to assist with intelligence gathering.
Viet
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NATO Council of Canada » Fleet Expansion: A Big Boost for Vietnam
interesting news: the NATO reveals the Damen Schelde Naval Shipyard is working to complete 4 Sigma-class corvettes for Vietnam. By 2018, the Vietnam People’s Navy will consist of 6 submarines, 9 frigates, 17 corvettes, 22 off-shore patrol vessels, 8 minesweepers, series of coastal anti-ship missile systems, and not to mention a considerable array of auxiliary vessels. the surface warships will be covered/protected by a missile shield.
I hope we will add another squadron of submarines and acquire a fleet of destroyers for the time after 2018.
Sigma-class corvette
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Carlosa
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Some more info and pics:
Orbiter UAV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WovMsQXJj8s
The Orbiter Mini UAV System Is a compact and lightweight system designed for use in Military and Homeland Security missions. The system presents the ultimate solution for Over The Hill reconnaissance missions, Low Intensity Conflicts and Urban warfare operations as well as any close range ISR mission.
Orbiter Mini UAV System
- Brushless electric engine
- Single operator design
- Payload - Line Of Sight and Targets Guided flight modes
- Autonomous launch and recovery
- Rapid assembly and disassembly
- Minimal training required
- Advanced avionics package
- State of the art payloads
- Advanced data link system
- Accurate navigation capability (GPS + INS)
- Low acoustic signature (Silent operation)
Operational Ceiling (AGL): 500 - 2000 Feet
LOS Data Link Range
* Mini ground directional antenna (Optional)
* GDT (Ground Data Terminal) (Optional)
15 Km
30 Km
80 Km
Operational Speed: 30 - 70 Knots
Max Speed: 70 Knots
Max Operational Altitude (ASL): 18,000 Feet
Max Payload Weight: 1.5 Kg (3.3 Lb)
Endurance: 3 - 4 Hours
I think he will do the final negotiation and soon after the visit, the embargo will get lifted. P-3C Orions and spare parts for a variety of systems will be the first priority.
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Carlosa
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Images of factory Irkut (Russia) where SU-30 aircraft for Vietnam are assembled.
To clarify, these pictures are from an article that describes the Sukhoi 30 factory (Irkut factory) that is expected to produce the next order of jets that Vietnam plans to order, which seems to be either the Su-30MS or Su-30M2 as the next air superiority fighter.
Vietnam might also buy the SU-34 as the next main strike jet and to replace the SU-22's. The SU-34 is produced at the Novosibirsk Aviation Production Association (NAPO) factory.
The SU-30MK2 that Vietnam currently has as well as on order is produced at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur factory. It seems like Vietnam is no longer planning to order any more SU-30MK2.
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New Reconnaissance Vessel 500CV for the Coast Guard
People's Army - Wednesday, 1/10/2014 | Google translated
After nearly 10 months of construction, on October first, in Ho Chi Minh City, Factory X51, General Defense Industry successfully launched scout ships class 500CV, number 1 (denoted TS500- 01) of the shipbuilding project Command Vietnam Marine Police on schedule.
500CV reconnaissance ship image (denoted TS500-01) was launched.
500CV scout ship is a steel hull warship designed by the Institute of Design (General Department of Defence Industry) designed according to the national technical standards and regulations on decentralization and shipbuilding steel shell QCVN 21: 2010 / BGTVT years 2010 structural features unrestricted.
38,2m vessel length, width 7,8m, cruise speed of 10 knots. Vessels used in performing the task of scouting, maritime law enforcement and other duties assigned.
Reportedly, this is the first 500CV scout ship of the vessel newbuilding project 500CV reconnaissance of the Coast Guard Command.
Currently, the plant is continuing construction TS500-02 boat.
News, photos: NGUYEN VAN SUPPORT
according to the People's Army newspaper
People's Army - Wednesday, 1/10/2014 | Google translated
After nearly 10 months of construction, on October first, in Ho Chi Minh City, Factory X51, General Defense Industry successfully launched scout ships class 500CV, number 1 (denoted TS500- 01) of the shipbuilding project Command Vietnam Marine Police on schedule.
500CV reconnaissance ship image (denoted TS500-01) was launched.
500CV scout ship is a steel hull warship designed by the Institute of Design (General Department of Defence Industry) designed according to the national technical standards and regulations on decentralization and shipbuilding steel shell QCVN 21: 2010 / BGTVT years 2010 structural features unrestricted.
38,2m vessel length, width 7,8m, cruise speed of 10 knots. Vessels used in performing the task of scouting, maritime law enforcement and other duties assigned.
Reportedly, this is the first 500CV scout ship of the vessel newbuilding project 500CV reconnaissance of the Coast Guard Command.
Currently, the plant is continuing construction TS500-02 boat.
News, photos: NGUYEN VAN SUPPORT
according to the People's Army newspaper
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Viet
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bro, it is very surprising to see how the 6 kilo subs have the potential to change the balance of power in the south china sea.
it is too bad that Russia has not approved the sell of the land-attack missiles yet.
nice, that is a complete new kind of surveillance vessel.
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Navy
High-speed amphibious ship "Ivan Kartzov" class. Russia has built 4 ships: 3 for Russian and 1 for Vietnam Navy.
project codenamed Sea Cow, weight 280 tons, 45 meters long, maximum speed is 35 knots, range 930km, can carry 4 armored vehicles and 40 soldiers. Sea trails were completed in Pacific Ocean.
Xem tàu đổ bộ cao tốc Nga sắp bàn giao cho VN
I guess the navy will build a new fleet of amphibious vessels to replace the current aging fleet. the Marines need such transporters to re-take islands occupied by enemies.
High-speed amphibious ship "Ivan Kartzov" class. Russia has built 4 ships: 3 for Russian and 1 for Vietnam Navy.
project codenamed Sea Cow, weight 280 tons, 45 meters long, maximum speed is 35 knots, range 930km, can carry 4 armored vehicles and 40 soldiers. Sea trails were completed in Pacific Ocean.
Xem tàu đổ bộ cao tốc Nga sắp bàn giao cho VN
I guess the navy will build a new fleet of amphibious vessels to replace the current aging fleet. the Marines need such transporters to re-take islands occupied by enemies.
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Carlosa
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Bro, If you are happy about that, I can tell you one more thing that will make you happier, the following comes from Vietnamese naval officers:
"Several tests were performed on the Vietnamese Kilos prove that they are very capable combatants, with much lower noise compared to Chinese counterparts (including the Project 877EKM and 636M Improved Kilo). The exact numbers won't be disclosed, but it assures that the Vietnamese Kilos will be a silent killer under the sea."
Obviously, this means that the Vietnamese Kilos are a more up to date version than the improved Kilos that china got and that makes a lot of sense.
Let black flag and the chinese crowd say whatever they want about the Kilos, they are not in a position to actually know. The chinese navy does know better than them and that's why, as that analyst said, they are concerned about the vietnamese Kilos and they have a lot of respect for the vietnamese military.
Time to order a second batch with AIP and a 8 cell VLS Brahmos launcher!!!!!
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Carlosa
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I had read that article a couple of weeks ago and in my opinion, that's the best type of ship for the Amphibious forces (other than a large hovercraft type vessel like the Zubr class), not too big, not too small and good speed. Some people, like one of those articles said, recommend a large LPD like the Makassar of Indonesia, but I feel that would be too big a target, easy to destroy and when you lose one, you lose a lot. I think many smaller, faster ships like this one is the way to go for Vietnam.
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another patrol aircraft for Vietnam Navy: DHC-6 Twin Otter 19-passenger STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) utility aircraft. the number #6 of this kind produced by Viking Air (Canada) for Vietnam. maximum speed of 314 kph and a flight range of 1,832 kilometers, and powered by two high performance engines.
another patrol aircraft for Vietnam Navy: DHC-6 Twin Otter 19-passenger STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) utility aircraft. the number #6 of this kind produced by Viking Air (Canada) for Vietnam. maximum speed of 314 kph and a flight range of 1,832 kilometers, and powered by two high performance engines.
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have we officially changed to the new white color?
if we have a spuadron of this sub, we will become the undispute naval power in southeast asia.
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