Vietnam buttresses SCS presence
News emerged last week that Vietnam had deployed mobile rocket launchers on some of its occupied islets in the Spratly chain in the South China Sea. If true, these would pose a military threat to China, as well as increase tensions.
The reports stated that Vietnam had discreetly shipped launchers to five of its South China Sea bases, where they remain hidden from aerial surveillance. While not yet armed it is believed they could be quickly fitted with long-range rockets.
Vietnam however denied these rumours with the Foreign Ministry described the reports as ‘inaccurate’.
Furthermore, in June the country’s deputy
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 1 free story per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![VIDEO: US Navy footage shows 'unsafe' manoeuvres by Chinese ship]()
VIDEO: US Navy footage shows 'unsafe' manoeuvres by Chinese ship
The USN has released footage of a Chinese ship Type-052D destroyer crossing the bow of an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer during a routine transit of the Taiwan Strait.
-
![First Royal Navy Type 31 frigate to hit the water this year]()
First Royal Navy Type 31 frigate to hit the water this year
The first of the Royal Navy’s future Inspiration-class Type 31 frigates, HMS Venturer, is scheduled to hit the water this year.
-
![Poland finds space for submarines on its defence shopping list]()
Poland finds space for submarines on its defence shopping list
Poland will kick off proceedings for the purchase of new submarines later this year under Warsaw’s Orka project, the country’s Defence Minister has confirmed.
-
![Chile sails ahead with construction of new naval transport vessel]()
Chile sails ahead with construction of new naval transport vessel
Chile's ASMAR shipyard has achieved a milestone in the construction of the first of four transport and support vessels for the country's navy.
-
![Malaysia reboots plans for troubled LCS programme]()
Malaysia reboots plans for troubled LCS programme
Malaysia believes it has already gone too far with its troubled LCS programme to back away from it now.
-
![Italian Parliament greenlights third U212NFS submarine]()
Italian Parliament greenlights third U212NFS submarine
Italy's Parliament has approved the construction of the third boat under Rome's U212NFS (Near Future Submarine) programme.
