Vietnam has expressed interest in acquiring Nato-style weaponry, specifically South Korea's K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer, as part of its efforts to upgrade its aging weaponry and diversify its arms sources beyond Russia. Vietnamese deputy defense minister Hoang Xuan Chien and his South Korean counterpart Kim Seon-ho have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the defense industry and logistics. Vietnam is reportedly seeking to purchase up to 108 K9 howitzers to replace its obsolete artillery. The acquisition of Nato-standard weapons could signal Vietnam's intent to counter China and enhance ties with the US and its allies. This move is likely to be viewed with concern by China, as it sees an increasing flow of South Korean arms into Southeast Asia. Vietnam aims to maintain a balance between major powers and avoid over-reliance on any single country, especially in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and international sanctions on Russia. As a result, Vietnam is expected to gradually introduce more Nato-standard weapons into its military.
The report from the South China Morning Post provides insights into Vietnam's interest in Nato-style weaponry and its potential acquisition of the K9 Thunder howitzer from South Korea. The article highlights the agreement between Vietnamese and South Korean defense officials to strengthen cooperation in the defense industry and logistics. Vietnam's interest in acquiring Nato-standard weapons is driven by its desire to upgrade its aging weaponry and diversify its arms sources beyond Russia. The country aims to replace its obsolete artillery with up to 108 K9 howitzers. The acquisition of Nato-standard weapons could signal Vietnam's intent to counter China and strengthen ties with the US and its allies. China is likely to view this move with concern, as it sees an increasing flow of South Korean arms into Southeast Asia. Vietnam seeks to maintain a balance between major powers and avoid over-reliance on any single country, especially in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and international sanctions on Russia. The article suggests that Vietnam will gradually introduce more Nato-standard weapons into its military. [7accdf63]