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equipment in light of the Japan- to strengthen cooperation with 31/32 assault rifles production line.
Vietnam Defense Equipment and as many countries as possible, The Marine Corps of the Vietnam
Technology Transfer Agreement as stated in the [Japan] National People’s Navy is reported to use the
signed in September 2021. Defense Strategy formulated at most Israeli weapons. During 2014
the end of last year,” Kihara said. to 2018, Vietnam is recorded to
Japan and Vietnam are bolster- “We have strengthened secu- purchase a large number of Israel’s
ing their defense relations in light rity and defense cooperation guided rockets, aircraft radars and
of shared security threats largely with Vietnam in various fields, air-to-air missiles. The most recent
involving maritime territorial incur- including high-level exchanges, notable order by the VN govern-
sions by the People’s Republic of unit-to-unit exchanges, edu- ment is of the Heron 1 – unmanned
China (PRC). cational exchanges and aerial vehicle (UAV). The contract
capacity-building support.” worth US$160 million was signed in
New defense agreements and the 2018.
transfer of two search and rescue Giang emphasized the steady
vehicles demonstrate the progress expansion and deepening of Vietnam is also reportedly eyeing to
made since the signing of a com- defense relations to become a purchase the Barak-8 missiles in its
prehensive strategic partnership in crucial pillar in the nations’ partner- drive to protect itself from Chinese
late 2023. ship, Vietnam’s Defense Ministry aggression in the region. According
reported. to reports talks are currently on
A meeting between Japanese between the two countries and the
Defense Minister Minoru Kihara missile makers —Israel Aerospace
and Vietnamese Defense Minister Israel and Vietnam Industries (IAI).
Gen. Phan Van Giang in Hanoi in
early August 2024 showcased the Since the Vietnam – Israel Defence According to analysts one of the
strengthening bond, with pledges to memorandum of understanding major reasons why Vietnam is keen
increase bilateral engagements. (MOU) in 2015, Israel has been on acquiring the Barak-8 missile is
the second largest military sup- because India is an active partner
“In the current climate where plier to Vietnam. Israel is also one in its development. The Barak-8
the need for international coop- of the few countries that is active missile has been jointly designed
eration in the field of security in transferring military technology by India’s Defence Research and
and defense is greater than to produce modern weapons for Development Organisation (DRDO)
ever, it is extremely important Vietnam, including the Galil ACE and Israel’s IAI..
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