At the beginning of June, local media reported that Vietnam had activated Brigade 679 of Naval Region 1, part of the Vietnam People’s Navy. This brigade is the first Vietnamese coastal defense unit equipped with the locally developed VCM-B coastal defense missile system, using the VCM-01 anti-ship missiles.
On June 7, 2024, it was revealed that a transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) vehicle from the VCM-B coastal defense missile system was in a testing phase with personnel from Viettel Aerospace (VTX). This test involved a shorter-range variant of the VCM-01 anti-ship missile system, with a smaller launcher. This variant is expected to have an engagement range of 80 to 130 km.
The VCM-01 missile is the Vietnamese version of the Russian Kh-35UE missile. This development marks a significant step for Vietnam, demonstrating its growing capabilities in producing sophisticated defense systems and its ambition to strengthen maritime security amid rising tensions in the South China Sea region.
The VCM-B coastal missile system is based on advanced technologies derived from collaboration between Vietnam and Russia, primarily focused on improving the capabilities of existing systems like the Kh-35UE. The Vietnamese version, the VCM-01, reflects the country’s efforts to achieve defense autonomy by integrating local technologies with foreign innovations.