Posted on 04/20/2010 11:52:45 PM PDT by TigerLikesRooster
Russia to help Vietnam build submarine base
Tuoi Tre
Russia will provide technical assistance to build a base for the six diesel-electric Kilo-class submarines Vietnam has ordered, the Voice of Russia quoted Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov as saying Thursday.
Russia would also help Vietnam build a repair dockyard for Russian ships, he said after returning from a three-day trip to Hanoi March 25.
He pledged Russian support to modernize Vietnam’s Air Force, including multibillion-dollar contracts for military equipment, he told the radio station.
Military cooperation between Moscow and Hanoi has increased in recent years along with Vietnam's arms purchases from Russia.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the buying exceeded US$1 billion in 2008 and was worth $3.5 billion last year. It has surpassed $1 billion in just the first quarter this year.
In addition to the six submarines, Vietnam has also ordered frigates, missile boats and Su—30 fighter jets even as tensions between Vietnam and China remain high over the disputed Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos in the East Sea.
Russia and Vietnam started military cooperation in 1953 with deals for weapons supply and military consultation.
This is aimed at China.
Vietnamese are bloody little bastards. Crafty Ruskies are using them to screw Chicoms badly since 80s.
The Russians are propping up just about every American enemy out there.
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