(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Among Southeast Asian nations, Vietnam stands out in the defense industry, having developed various defense systems for its military through collaborations with external partners.
Recently, Vietnamese local media reported that Vietnam has activated the 679th Coastal Defense Brigade under the 1st Naval Region of the Vietnam People’s Navy.
The 679th Brigade is a coastal defense unit equipped with the VCM-B coastal defense system, which employs the VCM-01 anti-ship missile developed by Vietnam’s local defense industry.
VCM likely stands for “Vietnam Cruise Missile,” a subsonic missile possibly based on or a local variant of the Russian KH-35UE anti-ship missile.
Currently, the Russian-made KH-35UE forms the backbone of the Vietnam Navy’s anti-ship weaponry.
The VCM-01 anti-ship missile is reported to be comparable to other anti-ship missiles on the market, such as the Harpoon, Exocet, and SSM-700K C-Star.
On June 7, the VCM-B coastal defense system, equipped with VCM-01 missiles, was tested in the presence of Viettel Aerospace, the company that developed it.
The VCM-01 missile, a short-range variant with a smaller warhead, can strike targets between 80km and 130km.
The development of the VCM-01 missile marks significant progress in Vietnam’s defense industry, demonstrating its capability to produce advanced defense systems and its ambition to strengthen maritime defense amid tensions with China over the South China Sea.
The VCM-B coastal defense system is based on advanced technology resulting from collaboration between Vietnam and Russia, focusing on enhancing existing systems like the KH-35UE.
The local variant of the Russian KH-35UE anti-ship missile, the VCM-01, showcases Vietnam’s ability to achieve defense manufacturing autonomy by integrating local and foreign technologies.
The activation of the 679th Naval Brigade and the successful testing of the VCM-B coastal defense system underscore the strategic importance of this effort to bolster the defense capabilities of the Southeast Asian nation.
By enhancing its coastal defense system with advanced missile technology, Vietnam aims to deter threats from adversaries and ensure the sovereignty of its maritime territories.
The range of 80km to 130km provides Vietnam with robust defense capabilities, enabling rapid response in the event of maritime conflicts.
Rising tensions in the South China Sea, involving multiple overlapping claims, have compelled Vietnam to invest heavily in security and defense.
The development of the VCM-01 anti-ship missile and the deployment of the VCM-B coastal defense system are part of a comprehensive strategy to modernize the Vietnamese military and establish a deterrent against potential intrusions into its maritime domains.
The testing of the VCM-B coastal defense system, equipped with VCM-01 anti-ship missiles, represents a significant advancement for Vietnam’s defense industry.
It demonstrates the country’s ability not only to produce sophisticated defense systems but also to commit to safeguarding national interests in a complex geopolitical landscape. — DSA