The People’s Army of Vietnam (PAVN) has received the first batch of T-90S main battle tanks (MBTs) from Russia.

At least 32 new MBTs in baseline and command (T-90SK) version of the T-90S were delivered to Vietnam.

In July 2017, the Russian News Agency TASS has announced that Russian Company Uralvagonzavod will supply 64 T-90S main battle tanks to Vietnam.

The T-90S tanks are likely to be used as replacements for the aging T-55s, few of which remain operational. 

The order comes amidst growing focus placed on the country’s air force and navy as Vietnam’s security planners pay ever-increasing attention to China’s actions in nearby waters.

According to the Jane’s, the People’s Army of Vietnam (PAVN) is upgrading its fleet of heavy armoured vehicles.

Hanoi is receiving Russian T-90S main battle tanks (MBTs). “Deliveries of the T-90S/SK MBTs to Vietnam have already begun. The contract is to be implemented before the end of 2019,” a Russian defense industry source told Jane’s.