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?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear]()
Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.
-
![US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes]()
US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.
-
![Australia commissions HMAS Arafura three-and-a-half years behind schedule]()
Australia commissions HMAS Arafura three-and-a-half years behind schedule
The Royal Australian Navy has finally commissioned the first Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel – more than three years behind schedule – highlighting the programme’s delays, design compromises and ongoing industrial restructuring.
-
![Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates]()
Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates
The Italian Navy is being refreshed with two new ships ordered, while in the past six months steel was cut for a new frigate, an enhanced frigate was delivered and Horizon-class frigates passed a design review.
