Vietnam develops new Truong Son coastal defense system armed with eight VSM-01A anti-ship missiles.

At the Vietnam Defense Expo 2024, held at Gia Lam Airport in Hanoi, the Vietnamese company Viettel presented two key components of the Truong Son mobile coastal defense missile system: the VSM-01A anti-ship missile and the VLV-01 mobile launcher system. These components were showcased as part of the VCS-01 system, also known as Truong Son, designed to enhance Vietnam's coastal defense capabilities by enabling the launch of up to eight missiles. Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Vietnam has emphasized local production of defense systems, such as the VCS-01, to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and address specific defense needs. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The VCS-01, referred to as Truong Son, is a mobile coastal defense system comprising the VLV-01 self-propelled launcher vehicle, target acquisition radar systems, command and control vehicles, transport and loading units, and technical inspection vehicles. Developed as a successor of the Soviet-era 4K51 Rubezh, the VLV-01 launcher accommodates eight missiles across two vehicles, each carrying four.

This configuration increases missile capacity compared to the Soviet system, which carried two P-15 Termit missiles. The VLV-01 vehicle can become operational in under 10 minutes. Its dimensions are less than 12.2 meters in length, 2.75 meters in width, and 4.2 meters in height, with a weight of under 40 tons. The system integrates radar and command components to operate in centralized or standalone modes and to independently calculate missile trajectories.

The VSM-01A anti-ship missile, also known as Song Hong, replaces the P-15 Termit and has a range of 80 kilometers—double the range of the Termit. Extended-range variants were not displayed at the expo. The missile employs updated guidance systems to improve targeting precision. It belongs to the VCM-01 missile family, modeled on the Russian Kh-35E missile, with modifications that include a lighter airframe, redesigned air intake, and updated avionics. The missile is less than 5,000 millimeters long, has a body diameter of 315 millimeters, and weighs under 600 kilograms. It operates at high subsonic speeds.

The development and production of the VSM-01A and VCS-01 systems involved the Viettel Aerospace Institute, Viettel Manufacturing Corporation, and Z189 Shipyard. Early prototypes of the VSM-01A featured cylindrical canisters, while later models adopted rectangular ones. Testing occurred in 2018 in the Quỳnh Lưu and Tiền Hải districts, with the missile entering service in April 2024 under Brigade 679 of the 1st Regional Command. The missile was also tested on modified Shershen-class torpedo boats during sea trials. It is powered by the domestically developed VJE-01 turbojet engine, created after discussions with South Korea regarding the SSE-750K turbojet engine did not lead to collaboration. The VJE-01 enables high subsonic speeds and supports localized production capabilities.

Developed as a successor of the Soviet-era 4K51 Rubzeh, the Truong Son coastal defense system comprises two VLV-01 launcher vehicles, each carrying four anti-ship missiles. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

At the expo, the VSM-01A and VCS-01 systems were displayed together, showcasing the missile's integration within the VCS-01 system and its compatibility with multiple platforms, including missile boats, frigates, and potentially aircraft. This configuration aligns with Vietnam's coastal defense strategy, which emphasizes anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) measures. The strategy focuses on securing maritime interests in the South China Sea and incorporates Kilo-class submarines, Su-30MK2 aircraft, and the domestically produced VCM-01 missile system, also modeled on the Kh-35E missile.

Vietnam has emphasized local production of naval and anti-ship weapons to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and address specific defense needs. The development of the VCM-01 missile, led by the Viettel Aerospace Institute, reflects this focus. The country has also expanded its shipbuilding capabilities by constructing fast attack craft and multipurpose frigates, often in collaboration with foreign partners. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to modernize naval forces and address regional security challenges. The VCS-01 and VCM-01 systems contribute to Vietnam’s objective of protecting territorial waters and strengthening its strategic deterrence capabilities.

Vietnam's decision to develop its own weapons stems from the need to address specific national defense requirements and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers amid geopolitical complexities. This approach also allows Vietnam to adapt its military technology to local conditions and operational needs. With increasing global challenges in arms procurement and concerns over supply chain disruptions, developing domestic capabilities has become a strategic priority to ensure consistent access to critical military assets. Vietnam’s efforts focus on fostering a sustainable defense industry through collaborations with state-owned enterprises and research institutes.

Tensions in the South China Sea also significantly influence Vietnam's current defense strategies. China's maritime claims and activities, such as the establishment of artificial islands and frequent patrols in disputed waters, have led Vietnam to strengthen its naval capabilities. Vietnam views the development of indigenous systems, like the VCS-01 coastal defense missile system, as essential for maintaining maritime security. The South China Sea remains a critical area for both Vietnam’s territorial integrity and its economic interests, particularly due to vital shipping lanes and resource-rich waters.

The VSM-01A anti-ship missile, also known as Song Hong, belongs to the VCM-01 missile family, modeled on the Russian Kh-35E missile, with modifications that include a lighter airframe, redesigned air intake, and updated avionics. (Picture source: Army Recognition)