Vietnam’s Military Power: Forged from Unity & Spirit
27-06-2025
This video showcases highlights from Vietnam’s 50th Liberation and Reunification Day parade and march.
Vietnam’s Military Power: Forged from National Unity and Indomitable Spirit
Welcome to an in-depth look at Vietnam’s military strength – a nation boasting a heroic history of nearly 5,000 years of nation-building and defense. When military power is mentioned, many often think immediately of modern weaponry or troop numbers. For Vietnam, however, the story is entirely different. This strength doesn’t just come from military hardware; it’s the comprehensive strength of the entire nation, tempered through thousands of life-or-death battles, deeply embedded in the resilient will and unified spirit of every Vietnamese citizen.
This article will explore what constitutes Vietnam’s unique military might, providing key updated statistics, force structure, national defense policy, and Vietnam’s position on the global military map.
SPECIAL OUTLINE
Get an immediate grasp of our article’s core and structure through these key highlights:
Explore the glorious history and central role of Vietnam’s Air Defense – Air Force, especially through the “Dien Bien Phu in the Air” victory.
Understand the diverse and interlocking air defense forces, including SAM-2 missiles, MiG-21 aircraft, and anti-aircraft artillery during wartime.
Discover the unique and creative tactics employed by Vietnam’s air defense, notably the strategies for downing B-52s.
Analyze the modernization process of the Air Defense – Air Force in peacetime, focusing on the Su-30MK2 fleet as its backbone.
Learn about the emphasized electronic warfare and electronic defense capabilities, aimed at countering modern threats.
Evaluate the regional standing of Vietnam’s Air Power in Southeast Asia, highlighting its notable strength and combat capabilities.
Grasp the global position and future development direction of the Air Defense – Air Force, along with its continuous upgrade efforts.
HONOR THE VIETNAM AIR DEFENSE – AIR FORCE, THE STRATEGIC STEEL SHIELD AND UNYIELDING GUARDIANS OF THE NATION’S SKIES, SECURING PEACE WITH HISTORIC PROWESS AND MODERN MIGHT!
Now! Let’s unveil the remarkable evolution and formidable capabilities of Vietnam’s Air Defense – Air Force!
General Phan Van Giang is the current Vietnam’s Minister of National Defense, a key Politburo member, and a central figure in the nation’s military leadership
I. The Source of Strength: More Than Modern Weaponry
More than anything else, Vietnam’s military strength is rooted in its history. For thousands of years, the Vietnamese people have faced countless invasions, from mighty northern empires to colonial and imperial powers. Each conflict, whether won or lost, left behind painful lessons and forged an unyielding will, a fervent patriotism.
The tradition of “The Entire Nation Fights the Enemy”: From the Lý and Trần Dynasties with their Đông A Spirit, to the great resistance wars against France and America, the ideology of “the entire population fighting the enemy” has been a guiding principle. When the homeland is in danger, all social strata and individuals become soldiers, ready to sacrifice to protect the nation. This isn’t just a military strategy; it’s a cultural trait, a survival instinct of the Vietnamese people.
People’s War: This is Vietnam’s unique military art, where the strength of numbers, creativity, courage, and the ability to utilize terrain and strategic positions helped defeat enemies with vastly superior potential. It’s a harmonious blend of politics, economics, diplomacy, and military affairs.
Spiritual Weaponry: Patriotism, the will for independence and self-reliance, unity, and a readiness for sacrifice – these are invisible “weapons” that possess more destructive power than any bomb or bullet. They transform ordinary people into heroes, turn difficulties into motivation, and make the impossible possible.
President Ho Chi Minh deeply connected with the people through his remarkably simple and approachable lifestyle.
Note: To delve into the Enduring Strength: Vietnam’s Resilence Against Historical Invasions, please click here!
II. The Birth of the Vietnam People’s Army: From Immense Hardship to Greatness
To better understand the inherent strength of the Vietnam People’s Army today, we must look back at the challenging historical context in which this force was born.
Historical Context: A Difficult Beginning Amidst Hardship
In the early 1940s, Vietnam was shrouded in the darkness of French colonial and Japanese fascist rule. The country was lost, its people severely oppressed. In this context, the Indochinese Communist Party (now the Communist Party of Vietnam), under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh, clearly recognized the necessity of an armed revolutionary force to fight for national independence.
On December 22, 1944, in the Trần Hưng Đạo forest (now in Tam Kim Commune, Nguyên Bình District, Cao Bang Province), the Vietnam Propaganda and Liberation Army was founded. This was the predecessor of the Vietnam People’s Army today.
Initial Force: Extremely modest. The unit had only 34 soldiers with rudimentary weapons (2 assorted guns, 17 rifles, 14 flintlock guns, and 1 pistol), mostly homemade or captured from the enemy. This was an incredibly small number compared to the future greatness of the army.
Objectives and Principles: Following President Ho Chi Minh’s directives, the unit not only had combat duties but also had to focus on propaganda work, raising public awareness, and building revolutionary bases. The principle at that time was “politics is more important than military affairs,” “internal affairs are more important than external affairs,” “propaganda is more important than combat.”
First Commander:General Vo Nguyen Giap (then Comrade Vo Nguyen Giap) was personally appointed Commander of the unit by President Ho Chi Minh. He was a teacher, a journalist, and an outstanding disciple of President Ho Chi Minh. Though he had no formal military training, he became a military genius, the first and great Commander-in-Chief of the Vietnam People’s Army.
The Significance of its Birth
The birth of the Vietnam Propaganda and Liberation Army, though small in force and weaponry, carried immense historical significance:
The Origin of the People’s Army: It marked the birth of a new type of revolutionary army, born from the people and fighting for the people.
The Fusion of Politics and Military Affairs: It embodied Ho Chi Minh’s unique military ideology, prioritizing political strength and popular will alongside military power.
Hope and Faith: It sowed the seeds of hope for an armed struggle that would lead to victory, opening a new chapter in Vietnam’s history of national liberation.
From 34 soldiers with rudimentary weapons, under the brilliant leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, and the outstanding command of General Vo Nguyen Giap, the Vietnam People’s Army has grown ceaselessly, overcome countless challenges, defeated the most powerful enemies, and achieved national independence and reunification. This stands as the clearest testament to the extraordinary power of the national spirit and the will for self-reliance.
The Vietnamese People’s Army was founded in Cao Bang in 1944 with just 34 initial soldiers.
Note: To Analyzing President Hochiminh’s Most Reputable State: “Nothing is More Precious than Independence, Freedom and Happiness”, please click here!
III. Modern Military Structure
The Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) is the core force safeguarding the nation, built according to the motto “regular, elite, gradually modern.”
Main Military Branches
Ground Forces: The largest branch, playing a pivotal role in ground combat operations, border defense, and various defensive missions. The Vietnamese Ground Forces are organized into military regions, corps, divisions, brigades, regiments, etc.
=) To Learn more about Ground Forces, Please CLICK HERE
Navy:Responsible for protecting sovereignty over seas and islands, continental shelf, exclusive economic zones, and national interests at sea. The Vietnamese Navy includes surface combatants, submarines, naval aviation, naval infantry, and coastal artillery-missile forces.
Air Defense – Air Force: Ensures control of airspace, protects the skies and important national targets. This branch includes fighter jets, attack aircraft, transport aircraft, reconnaissance planes, air defense missiles, anti-aircraft artillery, radar, etc.
=) To Learn more about Air Defense – Air Force, Please CLICK HERE
Notes:
Beyond Vietnam’s main military branches above, three distinct forces are crucial for national security. a. The Border Guard protects Vietnam’s land and sea borders, combating crime and ensuring sovereignty. b. The Vietnam Coast Guard enforces maritime law, fights illicit activities, and conducts search and rescue, especially in the East Sea. c. The Cyber Warfare Command (Command 86) safeguards Vietnam’s digital infrastructure and cybersecurity, defending against cyberattacks and espionage.
Specialized Combat Arms
In addition to the three main military branches, there are specialized combat arms that play crucial roles in modern warfare:
Artillery: Provides powerful firepower to support ground forces.
Armored Forces: The main striking force on land.
Special Forces: Elite units specialized in clandestine operations, infiltration, and sabotage.
Engineers: Responsible for construction work, bridges, roads, and mine clearance.
Chemical Corps: Specialized in chemical warfare defense and handling hazardous substances.
Cyber Warfare Command (New): An increasingly important arm in modern warfare, dedicated to protecting national cyberspace and conducting cyber operations.
Troop Numbers
While official figures are not widely disclosed, international defense organizations and analysts often provide estimates:
Active Military Personnel: Approximately 450,000 – 500,000 active-duty personnel. This makes it one of the largest armies in Southeast Asia and globally by size.
Reserve Forces: Estimated to be up to 5 million people, trained and capable of rapid mobilization when needed. This force includes demobilized military personnel, militia, self-defense forces, and young people eligible for military service.
Militia and Self-Defense Forces: A vast mass armed force, organized at the commune/ward level, playing a significant role in local defense, maintaining security and order, and supporting the VPA when necessary. This number can reach millions.
In summary, Vietnam’s potential for human resource mobilization for national defense is immense, truly reflecting the tradition of “the entire nation fighting the enemy.”
The Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense is the government body responsible for military affairs and national defense.
Note: To embark on the Communist Party of Vietnam: Guiding a Nation from Historical Dawn to Global Prominence, please click here!
IV. Defense Budget and Modernization Investment
In the context of complex regional and global developments, Vietnam has been increasing its defense investment, but in a “suitable” and “effective” manner, avoiding an arms race.
Defense Budget
Growth Trend: Vietnam’s defense budget has shown a stable growth trend in recent years, reflecting the need to modernize its military and protect national interests. However, specific figures are often not disclosed in detail or are estimated by international organizations.
Estimates by International Organizations: According to reports from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) or Global Firepower, Vietnam’s defense budget ranges from approximately 5 to 6 billion USD annually (figures may vary depending on the year and calculation methodology). This places Vietnam among the countries with significant defense spending in Southeast Asia.
Modernization Priorities
Investment is focused on key areas to build an “elite, modern” army:
Navy and Air Defense – Air Force: These two branches receive the most significant investment due to the strategic importance of maritime sovereignty and airspace. Vietnam has acquired modern warships, Kilo-class submarines, Su-30MK2 fighter jets, S-300PMU1 air defense missile systems, etc.
High Technology and Cyber Warfare: Investment in reconnaissance technologies, electronic warfare, and especially cyber warfare capabilities to counter non-traditional threats.
Self-Reliance in Defense Industry: Vietnam is striving to boost research and domestic production of weapons and equipment to reduce reliance on foreign sources. This not only helps save the budget but also enhances strategic autonomy.
Vietnam Hosts 2024 International Defense Exhibition with Global Participation.
Note: To Unveil Vietnam’s Power Structure: The Ultimate Guide to Its Political System, please click here!
Unlocking Vietnam’s Power Structure: The Ultimate Guide to Its Political System
V. The “Four Nos” Defense Policy and “Bamboo Diplomacy”
Vietnam’s defense policy is highly distinctive and consistent, clearly articulated in its legal documents and strategies.
The “Four Nos” Policy
This is the core principle of Vietnam’s national defense policy:
No military alliances: Vietnam maintains an independent foreign policy, not aligning with any military bloc to counter a third party.
No siding with one country against another: Vietnam avoids taking sides in geopolitical disputes between major powers.
No foreign military bases or allowing foreign countries to use its territory to attack another: Upholding absolute sovereignty and preventing the country from becoming a staging ground for foreign military activities.
No using force or threatening to use force in international relations: Vietnam is committed to resolving disputes by peaceful means, based on international law.
The “Depending on the Situation” Addition – The Flexibility of “Bamboo Diplomacy”
Recently, to adapt to complex regional and international developments, Vietnam has added a flexible aspect to its defense policy: “depending on the developments of the situation and in specific conditions, Vietnam will consider developing necessary defense and military relations suitable to its national interests.”
This demonstrates the flexibility and adaptability of the “Bamboo Diplomacy” approach we’ve discussed:
Strong Roots: Firmly rooted in independence, self-reliance, and national interest.
Sturdy Trunk: Unified national solidarity.
Flexible Branches: Adaptable and agile in foreign relations, ready to cooperate with all countries, diversifying partnerships.
This policy helps Vietnam maintain its independence and self-reliance while expanding defense cooperation with various partners (Russia, USA, China, India, Japan, etc.) to learn, acquire technology, and enhance its self-defense capabilities.
Vietnamese military forces actively participate in UN peacekeeping operations in various global hotspots.
=) TO LEARN MORE ABOUT VIETNAM’S DEFENSE COOPERATION & ITS “4 NOS” POLICIES, PLEASECLICK HERE
VI. Vietnam’s Military Strength Ranking in the World
Military strength rankings are generally for reference only and do not fully reflect a nation’s comprehensive strength. However, they provide an objective overview of military potential based on quantifiable factors (weapons, troop numbers, budget).
According to Global Firepower (GFP), one of the most reputable military ranking organizations in the world (updated for 2024 – 2025):
Vietnam consistently ranks among the Top 20 – Top 30 military powers globally.
In Southeast Asia, Vietnam often ranks in the Top 3 or Top 4, competing with Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore.
GFP indicators typically rely on:
Manpower: Number of active-duty and reserve personnel.
Military Equipment: Number of aircraft, tanks, naval vessels, artillery, etc.
Defense Budget.
Natural Resources: Domestic weapon production capability, natural resources.
Geographic, financial, and logistical situation.
It’s crucial to emphasize: While this ranking is impressive, it cannot measure the “comprehensive strength of the entire nation” – a factor that Vietnam has proven to be decisive in its wars. The GFP ranking is just one aspect, not the entire picture of Vietnam’s defense capabilities.
The Vietnamese Army’s Strength: Indomitable Spirit and People’s Unity.
Note: To discover The Vietnamese Political System: Separation of Powers and the Communist Party’s Core Role. Please click here!
VII. Future Potential and Orientation
Vietnam continues to build a strong all-people national defense, with the Vietnam People’s Army as its core. Future orientation will focus on:
Developing a modern defense industry: Self-reliance in producing weapons and equipment, especially high-tech military hardware.
Training high-quality human resources: A team of excellent officers, engineers, and specialists, meeting the demands of high-tech warfare.
Enhancing combined arms capabilities and non-traditional warfare: Effectively countering threats from cyber security, climate change, terrorism, and pandemics.
International defense integration: Participating in UN peacekeeping operations, joint exercises with other countries, and strengthening strategic dialogues to contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world.
The Vietnamese Army’s emblem features a gold star on a red background, symbolizing its revolutionary spirit and national pride.
Conclusion: Strength from the National Will
Vietnam’s military strength is not just about numbers, types of weapons, or rankings on a list. It’s the inheritance and development of a patriotic, united, and resilient tradition forged over thousands of years of history. It’s the harmonious combination of people, weaponry, and the unique military art of people’s war.
In a volatile world, Vietnam remains steadfast in its peaceful, self-defense national policy, yet is always ready to firmly protect its independence, sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and national interests. The comprehensive strength of the Vietnamese people, guided by an indomitable will and spirit, is the nation’s most formidable shield.
