Originally posted by star49
MKI or MKM cost atleast $70M a piece versus this $35M Su-30MK2. And there is no other Strike fighter with Russia in this price range. Su-30SKM is there but that also share tech with -MK2 and cannot lift all the weopons with Maxim take off wt (33 Ton Maximum reported untill this point). So this is the only logical choice for long range strike.

$35 million for MK2?…I heard Vietnam got it for $30 million each…

Originally posted by plawolf
so, vietnam’s military modernisation is not a cost saving measure on any count. meaning there is only one good reason for the modernisation – to meet the increases in military capacity of one or more precieved threats (unless, of course, u count showing off as a good reason).

I know you’re making a good point here but I think its stupid to bring China in every time when someone mentioning Vietnam. The world we living is now is rapidly changing and is more dangerous, so when a nation upgrade its armed forces doesn’t mean that it has to be aimed at one specific threat, but maybe for the sake of defence they just want something better. But in SE-Asia, I think it has more to do with prestige.

why dont u take another look?

ASEAN is no EU, many member states have conflicts of interest with one or more of its fellow members (which is often over disputed territory). is it just a coincidence that as soon as one starts buying advanced russian jets, everyone else that can afford it is following suit? (but buying difference versons, ruling out the possibility that this is a co-operdinated move to try and form some kind of joint military force like the european rappid reasction force)

True, I have to agree with you on this one.

i said i didnt follow vietnam’s military developments that closely. but even a casual glace reviels some interesting patterns of purchases.

Heres an update:

Russia given Vietnam a license to produce ‘IGLA’ MANPADS.

A deal signed with HAL for MiG-upgrades.

In August 2003 a deal worth $250 million was signed for the purchase of S-300PMU-1 air-defence, which will be delivered sometime in 2005.

12 missile boats (similar to the Molniya) are to be built in Vietnam, worth $120 million.

4 Sukhoi Su-30MK2 has been delivered and there are plans for 12-24 more.

Originally posted plawolf
what, so u dont think there is a striking similarity between the way the two have purchased suhoi ac from russia?

– china buys Su27Sk, not too long after, vietnam buys same ac.

– china buys Su27UB trainers, not long after vietnam follows suit.

– china buys Su30MKK, soon vietnam follows suit.

– china buys Su30MK2, vietnam is about to, or already have bought the same ac.

If you’re trying to make a point then you should get the facts properly, Vietnam never bought the MKK-variant, only the MK2 that was recently delivered.

so, does the government of vietnam simply buy weapons for the sake of buying weapons or do they actually buy them to try and meet precieved threats and hence providing a viable defence?

Yes, the purchase of weapons to meet a precieved threat is one thing, but modernisation is another. Aside from buying the Sukhois, Vietnam have also signed a deal with HAL for the upgrade of MiG-21 jets, do you see pattern in that?

im not trying to hi-jack the thread or steal ur thunder, so no need to be so touchy mate. im just asking a simple, and directly relevent question regarding vietnam’s defence spending – who is all this build up really aimed at?

oh…just because Vietnam is trying to modernise its armed forces dosen’t mean that it aimed at someone, why don’t you look at other ASEAN nations?…Indonesia bought new Sukhois for it’s air force, does that mean they try to aim it at someone? I don’t think so!

PS, are u sure about vietnam’s flanker numbers? i dont follow vietnam’s military developments that closely, but im sure i’ve seen the odd report that states they got alot more flankers then just 12.

Well…I remember reading a Singporean journal about the strength of ASEAN militaries, and it mentioned that in 1998 Vietnam purchased a further 24 Sukhoi-27s worth $1 billion, so that would mean a total of 36 Su-27s. But unfortunately there is no real evidence that Vietnam possess 36 of those jets. Anyway, if you want to know more then maybe you should ask the Russians who sold the aircrafts.