TSAMTO, April 27. The authorities of Vietnam and the Czech Republic are discussing the possibility of supplying weapons and military equipment, including aircraft, radar, small arms, as well as the modernization of armored vehicles.
As an anonymous source in the Czech government told Reuters, Hanoi is currently seeking to diversify its fleet of weapons, which mainly consists of Russian-made samples. Therefore, the issue of ensuring defense and security became one of the main topics that were discussed by Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala with the leadership of Vietnam during a three-day visit last week.
According to Czech defense companies, whose management accompanied the head of government, Vietnam can meet a number of its needs through the development of the Czech defense industry. Czech manufacturers have implemented a number of projects to modernize Russian weapons, as well as produce new equipment compatible with Russian/Soviet-made systems, which is especially important for Vietnam.
Over the past two decades, Prague has been one of the main arms suppliers from the European Union to Hanoi. So, in 2021, Vietnam acquired 12 L-39NG light combat aircraft of the Czech company Aero Vodochody, the delivery of which will begin this year. According to an anonymous source who attended the high-level meetings, negotiations are underway on the supply of additional aircraft.
Following the meeting of P. Fiala with the Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chin, it was stated that the leaders agreed to intensify cooperation in the field of security and defense.
Prague expressed its readiness to ensure technology transfer and organize the production of VIVT in Vietnam in case of signing major contracts.
Of the 15 companies whose management was part of the Czech business delegation, four represented the defense sector (Czechoslovak Group, Colt CZ Group, Omnipol and STV Group).
Thus, Omnipol owns a minority stake in Aero Vodochody and Aircraft Industries, which produces L-410NG aircraft, the sale of which was also discussed with representatives of the Vietnamese Armed Forces. In addition, Omnipol conducted negotiations in Vietnam on the possibility of selling dual-use radars for installation at civilian airports and air bases.
STV Group and Czechoslovak Group discussed potential contracts for the modernization of Soviet-made tanks and armored vehicles using modern technologies, including communications equipment. The companies also offered the supply of spare parts and maintenance of equipment. However, no new contracts were signed.
Colt CZ Group offered small arms of its own production.
According to a representative of Excalibur Army, part of the Czechoslovak Group, negotiations on the possibility of supplying new armored vehicles, missile and artillery systems are still progressing very slowly.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam did not comment on these aspects of the visit of the Czech delegation.
Similar talks within the framework of the Czech Prime Minister's tour of Asian countries were held in Indonesia and the Philippines.
