Vietnam Achieves milestone in Indigenous Missile Technology, Bolstering National Defense
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Vietnam has achieved a critically important breakthrough in its defense capabilities with the self-reliant development of key technology for medium-range anti-ship missiles, marking a historic milestone for the nation’s military and engineering prowess. The success, spearheaded by a small team at Viettel Group, demonstrates a commitment to self-reliance and innovation in a highly specialized field traditionally dominated by a handful of global powers.
Overcoming Immense Obstacles
The project,initiated years ago,faced daunting challenges from the outset. According to accounts shared at the 11th All-Army Simulation Training Competition in September 2025, the seven-member team lacked prior experience in missile technology, access to relevant data, established research infrastructure, or international partnerships.Perhaps the most significant hurdle was a fundamental lack of understanding of what an
effective missile system entailed. Undeterred, the team embarked on a rigorous self-education program, studying international publications and analyzing existing missile systems. Recognizing the need for dedicated testing facilities, they independently researched and constructed Southeast Asia’s first missile test launch bay. Further innovating, the team bypassed traditional direct missile launches in favor of utilizing ships and aircraft equipped with guided missiles to approach targets, considerably reducing research time and saving hundreds of billions of dong in national funds.
“Missile technology is a highly specialized field. Depending on which country masters this technology, it can enhance the power and combat readiness of its armed forces and contribute to victory.Therefore, missile production technology is always kept top secret in each country,” a senior official stated.
A spirit of Resilience and Sacrifice
The path to success was not without personal sacrifice. Lt. Col. Hang recalled instances of team members working through the night, enduring nosebleeds, and battling constant seasickness during extended sea trials. During aircraft testing, initial reluctance from technicians due to safety concerns was overcome through persistence, expertise, and a shared commitment to the mission.
The team also demonstrated remarkable ingenuity in overcoming equipment shortages. When developing advanced deep welding technology – a process typically used in aerospace – they improvised using small gas stoves and household aluminum pots. A visual timeline illustrating the project's key milestones and challenges would be beneficial hear.
Ministry of Defense Approval and Strategic Significance
After years of dedicated effort, the project received approval from the Ministry of Defense in 2020, representing the first accomplished research and development of medium-range subsonic anti-ship missiles by the Vietnam People’s army. This achievement underscores the advanced capabilities of Vietnamese engineers and the nation’s growing technological independence.
The independently designed and manufactured autonomous driving head is a notably complex component, one that even many developed nations have struggled to achieve. according to Lt.Col. Hang, the resulting product is comparable in quality to foreign alternatives, with enormous military and economic implications. This self-reliance in missile production translates to significant savings in defense budgets and, crucially, strengthens national security and combat effectiveness.
Expanding Capabilities and Future Ambitions
Building on this initial success, the engineering team faced even more aspiring challenges under the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite manpower shortages and supply chain disruptions, they successfully developed an “autonomous guided warhead” for a new missile boasting improved range and accuracy.
“It usually takes developed countries at least 10 years to develop a missile system. However, in just eight years, we have successfully researched and developed three types of guided warheads and three types of altimeter radars for anti-ship missiles. This allows the missiles to fly at low altitudes, skimming the sea level, and respond to electronic warfare,” Lt. Col. Hang noted. The team also established the necessary research infrastructure to support the development of even more advanced technologies in the future.
Lt. Col. Hang acknowledged that Vietnam still lags behind developed nations in missile technology, but expressed unwavering determination. “Today’s successes are just the beginning, and many challenges lie ahead as developed countries are decades ahead of us. However, with the spirit of ‘competition to win’ and the desire to master key technologies, she and her colleagues said they would dedicate themselves to conquering strategic technologies.”
