Defense News - Vietnam

"We can said that Vietnam will be in the medium term on the top three importers of Russian weapons considering the major programs of arms shipment in the country which had previously been announced," said M.Korottchenko commenting the next launch of the first of the six submarines Project 636 controlled by Vietnam.

In 2008-2011, Russia's exports conventional weapons to Vietnam for a total of $ 1.88 billion, or 6.3% of Russian military exports. Vietnam is currently ranked fifth among the countries importing Russian arms.

In 2012-2015, the Vietnam should move to the fourth position according to the orders already made. According TsAMTO, Russian military exports to Vietnam will reach $ 2.43 billion (7.6% of Russian exports) during this period.

Russia and Vietnam have signed a $ 1.8 billion contract for the construction of six diesel-electric submarines Type 636 (NATO code: Improved Kilo) at the end of 2009. The first submarine of this type will be launched at the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg June 28, 2013. Vietnamese submarines will be equipped with cruise missiles Club-S.

"In addition to the construction of the submarine fleet, Vietnam launched the modernization of surface ships and boats. Many of its modernization programs are also linked with Russia," the official added.

These projects include also the delivery of Russian patrol boats type 10412 (exported version of the Svetliak 10410). In total, Vietnam has imported six of this patrol boat for an amount of $ 15 million each.

Russia is also building for Vietnam two frigates 11661 "Gepard-3.9" for $ 350 million. The second frigate was delivered to the Vietnamese army in late August 2011. In December, Hanoi has ordered two more frigates "Gepard 3.9".

The two countries also agreed on the delivery of Bastion anti-ship missiles and fighter aircraft Sukhoi Su-30MK2 and could modernize all the Vietnamese air defense system.