Vietnam People's Navy

The Vietnam People's Navy (VPN) is transitioning from a coastal patrol force into a more capable green-water navy, driven by the need to protect its long coastline, extensive exclusive economic zone, and national interests in the contested South China Sea. The navy's development prioritizes defensive capabilities, shaping a maritime strategy centered on asymmetric warfare and area denial.

A cornerstone of the VPN's modernization has been the acquisition of key foreign platforms, most notably Kilo-class submarines and Gepard-class frigates from Russia. The submarine fleet, equipped with land-attack cruise missiles, provides a credible undersea deterrent, forming a critical component of Vietnam's naval strategy. This is complemented by surface combatants like the Gepard frigates and locally built Molniya-class fast attack craft armed with anti-ship missiles. These assets are supported by an expanding naval aviation arm, which includes anti-submarine warfare helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft, enhancing the navy's surveillance and operational reach.

Vietnam’s maritime strategy is fundamentally based on the concepts of "active defense" and an "all-people's war at sea". This doctrine emphasizes countering threats from a distance, with a focus on anti-amphibious operations. It leverages the country's geography, using islands as bases to support and conceal naval assets. The strategy integrates various forces, including the navy, coast guard, and a large maritime militia composed of fishermen, to conduct surveillance and asymmetric operations. The acquisition of mobile coastal defense missile systems like the Bastion-P further strengthens this layered defense-in-depth approach.

To reduce reliance on a single supplier and enhance self-sufficiency, Vietnam is bolstering its domestic shipbuilding industry. State-owned shipyards, in cooperation with foreign partners, are now constructing vessels such as fast attack craft and large patrol ships. The nation has also begun producing its own versions of anti-ship missiles under license. While Russia remains its primary defense partner, Vietnam has started to diversify its procurement, acquiring systems from countries like Israel, the Netherlands, and India. Despite these advancements, the VPN's operational effectiveness is challenged by a historical lack of experience in large-scale naval combat and the need for more advanced C4ISR capabilities to fully integrate its new and diverse assets.