Page 21 - ADT NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2022 Online Magazine

 VIETNAM DEFENCE 2022 SHOW PREVIEW
India and Vietnam share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership The two ministers shared the view that they
since 2016 and defence cooperation is a key pillar of this part- will continue to accelerate consultations for
nership. Vietnam is an important partner in India’s Act East policy the transfer of specific equipment including
and the Indo-Pacific vision. Both countries share a rich history of naval vessels and related equipment in light
civilisational and cultural linkages spanning over 2,000 years. India of the Japan-Vietnam Defense Equipment
and Vietnam continue to have most trustworthy relations in contem- and Technology Transfer Agreement signed in
porary times with broader convergence of interests and common September 2021.
concerns. Bilateral defence engagements have expanded over a
period of time to include wide-ranging contacts between the two Minister Kishi reemphasized the view that the
countries, including Defence Policy Dialogues, military to military “ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP)”
exchanges, high level visits, capacity building and training programs, and “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)”
cooperation in UN Peace Keeping, ship visits and bilateral exercises. share fundamental principles, and stated that
Japan-Vietnam defense cooperation reaching
a “New Level” holds great importance for real-
JAPAN GROWS CLOSER izing AOIP and FOIP.

Japan and Vietnam late last year signed a deal enabling exports The ministers shared the view that, in accordance
of Japanese-made defence equipment and technology to the with “Japan-Vietnam Defence Cooperation
Southeast Asian country. During Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo at the New Level,” Japan and Vietnam will
Kishi’s first trip overseas after assuming the post, he said Japan will continue to engage closely to organise the
expedite talks with Vietnam to sell Self-Defense Forces’ vessels. “Japan-ASEAN Cyber Security Training Program
Vietnam is the 11th nation with which Japan has signed a defence for Defense Authorities” announced by Minister
equipment and technology transfer deal. Tokyo is looking to expand Kishi at the 6th Japan-ASEAN Defense Ministers’
military cooperation beyond its long-time ally the US, and has Informal Meeting, including future possibilities to
signed similar agreements with Britain, Australia, the Philippines host an event at the Army Software Park in Nha
and Indonesia. Trang, Vietnam.

Defence Minister Kishi and his counterpart Giang shared the view ISRAEL ENTERS THE FRAY
that under the “Japan-Vietnam Defense Cooperation at the New
Level,” Japan and Vietnam will contribute more proactively to the Since the Vietnam – Israel Defence memoran-
peace and stability of the region and the international community, dum of understanding (MOU) in 2015, Israel has
by making specific efforts utilizing their respective advantages and been the second largest military supplier to
resources. Vietnam. Israel is also one of the few countries
that is active in transferring military technol-
Based on the achievements at the Japan-Vietnam Defense Ministers’ ogy to produce modern weapons for Vietnam,
Meeting in September 2021, the Ministers reconfirmed the promotion including the Galil ACE 31/32 assault rifles pro-
of further cooperation in the field of peacekeeping operations. In duction line. The Marine Corps of the Vietnam
this context, Minister Giang requested that Japan share knowledge People’s Navy is reported to use the most
to assist Vietnamese preparation to participate in UNISFA. Minister Israeli weapons. During 2014 to 2018, Vietnam is
Kishi expressed his strong appreciation to Vietnam for its proactive recorded to purchase a large number of Israel’s
stance towards the peace and stability in the international com- guided rockets, aircraft radars and air-to-air
munity through its participation in peacekeeping operations. In missiles. The most recent notable order by the
response to Minister Giang’s request, Minister Kishi stated that Japan VN government is of the Heron 1 – unmanned
will provide necessary cooperation, including dispatching Japanese aerial vehicle (UAV). The contract worth US$160
experts comprising mainly of Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s million was signed in 2018.
personnel to Vietnam. Minister Giang expressed his appreciation,
and the Ministers consented to proactively continue this collabo- Vietnam is also reportedly eyeing to purchase
ration as a model case of “Japan-Vietnam Defense Cooperation the Barak-8 missiles in its drive to protect itself
at the New Level.” from Chinese aggression in the region. According
to reports talks are currently on between the
The ministers welcomed the signing of the “Memorandum between two countries and the missile makers —Israel
the Ministry of Defense of Japan and the Ministry of National Defence Aerospace Industries (IAI). According to ana-
of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam on Cybersecurity Cooperation” lysts one of the major reasons why Vietnam is
and the “Memorandum between the Ministry of Defense of Japan keen on acquiring the Barak-8 missile is because
and the Ministry of National Defence of the Socialist Republic of India is an active partner in its development.
Viet Nam on Cooperation in the Field of Military Medicine.” They The Barak-8 missile has been jointly designed
Organisation (DRDO) and Israel’s IAI.
consented to promote discussion to embody cooperation based by India’s Defence Research and Development
on these Memoranda.
ASIAN DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022 | 21