Vietnam’s Defense Ministry steps up research and production of main battle tanks

Vietnam’s Defense Ministry is moving to strengthen research, design and production of a domestically made main battle tank. The effort aims to improve the country’s ability to develop military equipment independently and meet the requirements of building a modern army.

At a working session on Sept. 8, Senior Lieutenant General Phạm Hoài Nam, deputy minister of national defense, chaired discussions with agencies and units involved in the project. Participants examined the tank’s technical requirements, mobility, system integration and plans for operation and use in training and combat readiness.

The tank is being oriented toward a modern, integrated design. It would incorporate advanced propulsion, control, electronic and communications technologies, with the goal of improving mobility, protection and battlefield effectiveness. The design must also support practical operation, maintenance and repair under the conditions faced by military units.

Officials proposed ways to balance tactical and technical requirements with Vietnam’s domestic research and manufacturing capabilities. They also stressed technological mastery, technical assurance and the ability to develop and upgrade the vehicle during its service life.

In concluding the session, Phạm Hoài Nam said research and production of tanks and armored vehicles could contribute to a proactive, self-reliant and dual-use defense industry. He called for closer coordination among management agencies, research institutions, factories and user units as work continues toward a domestic capacity to design, manufacture and produce main battle tanks.