Vietnam continues to diversify its defense supplies, with Russia's share decreasing from the 90s to 68%, while countries like India, Israel, South Korea, and the US are on the rise.
Why it matters
- Vietnam's diversification of defense supplies
- First high-level defense industry contact with Turkey
- Establishment of Vietnam's own defense industry
Vietnam is building its defense industry around the Viettel group, a telecommunications-technology group within the military, with a defense budget of around $7.7 billion in 2025 and a consistent annual increase trend. The Vietnam People's Army consists of the Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force-Air Defense, Border Guard, and Coast Guard. The 'Four Nos' principle in foreign policy shapes the procurement policy. The core of the defense industry is Viettel, which has developed and delivered over 50 system types to the military.
The first high-level defense industry contact with Turkey took place in 2026, with Turkey's Minister of National Defense stating that Turkey is ready to cooperate in shipbuilding, equipment maintenance and modernization, military technology transfer, and defense industry development. Turkish companies were invited to the Hanoi Vietnam International Defence Expo in December 2026.
Why it matters for Turkey
Vietnam's diversification of defense supplies and first high-level defense industry contact with Turkey may increase opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in the defense industry. Vietnam's 'Four Nos' doctrine and priority on domestic industry point to cooperation models based on joint production and technology transfer rather than direct platform sales, which could create new opportunities for Turkish companies.
