Government increasing military prowess

“Our fast-growing economy enables us to improve our military with more advanced weapons. It is necessary to arm our national defence with modern weapons,” said Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

Referring to the submarine purchases from Russia, Dung said in a press conference on January 7th that it is necessary to strengthen the People’s national defence in order to safeguard the country under which the People’s Military is a corner-stone. Building an evolutionary, regular, excellent and modern military is important for our Party and State.

"Military modernisation is part of our philosophy to ensure peace, friendship, cooperation, mutual respect and interests", Dung said.

Recently, the government bought six highly-advanced submarines, rockets and fighting aircrafts from Russia in an effort to help protect Vietnam's vast seas.

The decision was made to protect Vietnam and was not influenced by complicated issues nor an urgent need to compete in the weapons race. ASEAN countries like Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia are also armed with submarines.

“We bought submarines in order to protect our country. It is part of the roadmap to building our military modernisation in line with our economical development,” said Dung.