Vietnam Strengthens Armed Forces with Advanced Russian T-90S MBTs Main Battle Tanks.

The Vietnamese army is now equipped with the latest generation of Main Battle Tank (MBT) with the acquisition of the T-90S and T-90K command variant, a state-of-the-art main battle tank produced by Russia. This move, as recorded by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Arms Trade Database, saw the first batch of these tanks delivered to Vietnam during the years 2018 and 2019. Vietnam's total order includes 64 units of the T-90S, along with its command variant, the T-90SK, marking a significant upgrade to its armored capabilities.
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A T-90S tank (on the left) and T-90SK (on the right) from the Vietnamese army were displayed during a defense exhibition in Vietnam. (Picture source ARG)

In the broader context of Southeast Asia, Vietnam's armed forces stand out for their rich military tradition and extensive operational experience, surpassing many neighboring countries. This distinction is further reinforced by the widespread public support for Vietnam's defense strategies, especially amid ongoing maritime disputes with China over the South China Sea. The enactment of a new Law on National Defence in 2018 and the publication of a defense white paper in 2019 underscore Vietnam's commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty. The white paper specifically addresses the nation's disagreements with China, emphasizing the importance of joint efforts to ensure regional stability.

As of now, the Vietnamese army's inventory includes a formidable total of 1,383 main battle tanks. This diverse collection encompasses 45 Soviet-era T-34 tanks, over 850 T-54/T-55s along with an upgraded version, the T-54B mod, 70 T-62 tanks, the newly acquired 64 T-90S/K tanks, and 350 Type 59 tanks procured from China. This strategic enhancement of Vietnam's armored forces is a clear testament to the country's dedication to maintaining a robust defensive posture in the face of evolving security challenges.

The T-90S is an export variant of the T-90, the principal battle tank that was developed and produced by Russia. This model signifies an advancement from the T-72 and T-80 tank lines, with the original T-90 entering service in the Russian military during the early 1990s. Designed to meet the specific demands of international clients, the T-90S incorporates several modifications that distinguish it from its predecessors.

In terms of the countries that use the T-90S, it has been widely exported and is in service with several nations worldwide. Countries such as India, Algeria, and others have incorporated the T-90S into their armored forces, valuing the tank for its balance of firepower, mobility, and protection.

When examining the T-90S in terms of firepower, the tank has a crew of 3 thanks to the use of an automatic ammunition loading system. It is armed with a 125mm smoothbore gun capable of firing a variety of ammunition types, including armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds, high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds, and guided missiles. This armament allows the T-90S to engage a wide range of targets effectively, from enemy armor to fortifications.

Mobility is another key strength of the T-90S, with the tank powered by a high-performance engine that enables it to move across diverse terrains at high speeds. This mobility is critical for both offensive operations, allowing the tank to maneuver into advantageous positions, and defensive scenarios, where quick relocation is necessary to evade threats.

Protection is a crucial aspect of the T-90S design, incorporating advanced armor systems including composite armor, reactive armor, and the Shtora-1 countermeasures system. These protective measures enhance the tank's survivability on the battlefield by reducing the effectiveness of incoming enemy fire and guided weapons.

Overall, the T-90S is a comprehensive blend of firepower, mobility, and protection that builds on the legacy of the original T-90 tank. By adapting these capabilities to meet the needs of international users, the T-90S has secured its position as a valuable asset in the armored forces of countries around the globe.

Vietnamese soldiers train on Rusian-made T-90S MBT Main Battle Tank. (Picture source Lee Ann Quann X Account)

Defense News March 2024