Vietnamese armed forces are currently equipped with old tanks delivered by Russia and China, the Russian T-55 and T-62, and the Chinese-made Type 59.

The T-90 is the latest generation of Russian-made main battle tank. It is currently the most modern tank in service with the Russian Ground Forces and Naval Infantry.

At the Defense Exhibition Russian Arms Expo 2013, the Russian Defense Company Uralvagonzavod has presented the latest upgrade of T-90 main battle tank, the T-90S also called T-90MS.

In 2001, India bought 310 T-90S tanks from Russia, of which 120 were delivered complete, 90 in semi-knocked down kits, and 100 in completely knocked down kits. The T-90 was selected because it is a direct development of the T-72 that India already employs with 60% logistics commonality with T-90 simplifying training and maintenance.

Russia has long been Vietnam’s top supplier of weapon and military equipment. In August 2013, Vietnamese Defense Minister Phung Quang was in Russia to boost military ties, in line with the two countries’ efforts to build on a strategic partnership they signed last year.

In 2012, Vietnam signed a deal to borrow $8 billion from Russia to build its first nuclear power plant. Russian state-run utility and nuclear energy company Rosatom is expected to start the project next year, with operations ready in 2020.

In 2009 Vietnam ordered six Kilo-class, diesel-electric submarines, the first of which is scheduled to go into service this month, Mr. Hardy said. Since 2009 Vietnam has also acquired 20 Sukhoi Su-30MK2 fighter aircraft, Svetlyak-class (Project 1041.2) fast attack craft, and Gepard frigates from Russia, he said.

Vietnam doesn’t publicize its defense budget for the recent years as it often considers military activities to be state secrets. The defense budget was last disclosed in the 2009 Defense White Paper, reaching $1.46 billion in 2008, equal to 1.8% of GDP that year.