Vietnam Defense and News forum

That’s interesting, probably of possible security threat by a foreign military power.
For the first time ever all 3 ruling party, government and parliamentary leaders from Viet Nam, Laos and Cambodia meet together in an urgent gathering.

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Some people liken free speech with lies, insults, defamation and false information.
In the civil lawsuit Vingroup against Le Trung Khoa the court ordered Khoa to pay 20 % of the costs. In addition Khoa must not publish any fake news again. If he does, he can face fines of up to €250,000 per violation or end up to 2 years in jail.
Well deserved.

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Vietnam’s car production hits record high ahead of Tet​

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According to a recent report by the General Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance, an estimated 70,806 new cars were added to the Vietnamese market in January 2026. This figure includes both locally produced and imported vehicles and reflects a 2% increase compared to December 2025’s total of 69,407 units.

Of that total, domestic production accounted for approximately 56,200 vehicles - up 2.7% from December and a staggering 48.5% higher than January 2025. This surge sets a new production benchmark for the country’s auto industry and highlights the commitment of Vietnamese manufacturers to start the year strong.

In contrast, imports saw a slight dip. An estimated 14,606 completely built units (CBUs) were brought into Vietnam last month, valued at $385 million. This marks a marginal decrease of 0.7% in volume and 5.2% in value compared to December 2025, when 14,707 vehicles worth $406.4 million were imported, according to Vietnam Customs.
 
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So, Vietnam is ditching its long time Russian arms supplier, but now instead opt for Rafale fighter the loser in the May 2025 Indo-Pak air war against Chinese made J-10 CE, interesting, haha.


Vietnam Could Become Next Customer for France’s Rafale Fighter


Vietnam is reportedly considering the French-made Rafale fighter as it looks to diversify away from Russian military equipment, according to a 4 February 2026 report by L’Express. The move could reshape defense alignments in Southeast Asia while strengthening France’s long-term footprint in the Indo-Pacific.

Vietnam could emerge as one of the next international customers for Dassault Aviation’s Rafale fighter, at a moment when Hanoi is actively reassessing its decades-long dependence on Russian combat aircraft. French outlet L’Express reported on 4 February 2026 that discussions have reached an unusually advanced stage, highlighted by a Vietnamese pilot’s reported opportunity to fly the Rafale, a step rarely granted outside mature technical and operational exchanges, according to defense industry observers familiar with export practices.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Ezoic
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The Dassault Rafale is a twin-engine multirole fighter with a delta wing and close-coupled canards, designed to retain high agility across the full flight envelope, including at high angles of attack, while remaining able to carry heavy loads over long distances. (Picture source: Dassault Aviation)


This prospect emerges as Vietnam’s air force remains largely based on Soviet-era legacy structures, centred on Sukhoï fighters and older platforms dedicated to ground-attack missions. Today, the core of Vietnam’s air-to-air capability is built around the Su-30MK2, a comparatively modern aircraft by regional standards but one that depends on a Russian logistical chain. In parallel, Vietnam continues to operate Su-22 attack aircraft, whose military relevance in a contested environment is declining as the density of radars, ground-based air defence systems, and electronic warfare capabilities increases across the theatre. The Rafale would therefore fit into a renewal pathway, but more importantly, into a qualitative transformation by introducing a Western multirole platform capable of interception, precision strike, and armed presence over sensitive maritime areas.

Ezoic

The French aircraft has already reached an important milestone with Indonesia’s order for 42 Rafale fighters, a contract that helped strengthen Dassault’s position in Southeast Asia and reinforced the view that a European aircraft can compete with US, Russian, or Asian alternatives. India, for its part, has already integrated the Rafale into its air force while maintaining a large Sukhoï fleet, showing that coexistence between Russian and French aircraft is feasible and can support a broader diversification strategy. Vietnam would follow a comparable path, but with a distinct political dimension, as it would represent a sharper break from a procurement model historically centred on Moscow.

The Dassault Rafale is a twin-engine multirole fighter with a delta wing and close-coupled canards, designed to retain high agility across the full flight envelope, including at high angles of attack, while remaining able to carry heavy loads over long distances. It is powered by two Safran M88-2 turbofan engines, enabling a maximum speed of around 1,800 km/h, with a stated range that can reach 3,700 km depending on the mission profile. The aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of around 24,500 kg and an external payload capacity of more than 9 tonnes across 14 hardpoints (13 on the carrier-capable Rafale M), allowing it to configure air-to-air, air-to-ground, and anti-ship loads simultaneously, including with external fuel tanks. It also integrates an internal Nexter 30M 791 30 mm cannon (rate of fire up to 2,500 rounds per minute) for close air support and close-range engagements.

The Rafale is built around an IMA (Integrated Modular Avionics) architecture with an MDPU (Modular Data Processing Unit) that centralises data fusion, mission management, and the man-machine interface. Its primary sensor is the Thales RBE2 radar (including the RBE2 AESA variant), capable of multi-mode search and simultaneous tracking of aerial targets, while generating high-resolution mapping for navigation and targeting. Survivability is reinforced by the SPECTRA electronic warfare suite, combining detection, identification, jamming, and countermeasures to address air and ground threats, and by the OSF (Optronique Secteur Frontal) front-sector optronic system, a passive visible/infrared sensor integrated for detection and identification without emitting radar energy. In terms of weapons, the platform is qualified for MICA air-to-air missiles (IR and RF) and Meteor, precision strike using AASM, stand-off attack with SCALP, and anti-surface warfare with Exocet, making the Rafale an “omnirole” aircraft able to execute multiple mission types within a single sortie.

Ezoic

The Rafale would likely not immediately substitute the Su-30MK2, which would remain the backbone of Vietnam’s air force in the short term. The most plausible approach would be a gradual replacement of the oldest aircraft, particularly legacy strike platforms, in order to modernise the air-to-ground component and improve precision-strike capability. Over the medium term, the introduction of a Western multirole fighter could also lead to doctrinal adjustments, with air power increasingly structured around versatility, precision effects, and information superiority rather than mass alone.

For air superiority, the Rafale would allow Vietnam to improve the quality of interceptions and the ability of its patrols to sustain airspace control over time, supported by modern sensors and enhanced situational awareness. The relevance for maritime strike is even more direct: Vietnam operates in an environment where competition is centred on the sea, around islands, sea lines of communication, and contested exclusive economic zones. In this context, the ability to conduct armed presence missions, reconnaissance, and precision strikes against naval or land targets becomes a key deterrence factor. Designed to operate in contested conditions, the Rafale would strengthen Vietnam’s posture in the South China Sea by expanding the range and precision of available options while improving mission survivability.

In geopolitical terms, a Rafale sale to Vietnam would send signals to several actors simultaneously. To Beijing, it would indicate that Hanoi is strengthening its deterrence and air-defence capabilities in a theatre where China has intensified military activity. To Moscow, it would suggest that Vietnam, long regarded as a natural customer, is seeking to secure its freedom of action by diversifying dependencies. For France, the deal would reinforce its Indo-Pacific posture while serving industrial interests: broadening the Rafale customer base in Asia, supporting production continuity, and securing long-term revenue through support, maintenance, and upgrade activities.


 
Vinfast hires 2,000 workers for the new car plant in Ha Tinh, with salary ranging from 12-18 million D a month depending on qualifications.
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ABU DHABI'S G42 PARTNERS VIETNAMESE CONSORTIUM TO FORM $1B AI DATA CENTER IN VIETNAM​


FEBRUARY 9, 2026• BIG DATA, NEWS, VIETNAM•BY TECHNODE GLOBAL STAFF

G42, the Abu Dhabi-based technology holding group, and a consortium comprising the FPT Corporation and the Viet Thai Group, have signed a framework cooperation agreement to develop $1 billion sovereign artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and cloud infrastructure across Vietnam.

The duo said in a statement on Monday that the initiative aims to support Vietnam’s ambition to become an AI-native society and a leading AI hub in Southeast Asia, while ensuring national data sovereignty and digital resilience.

The agreement, signed in Ho Chi Minh City, formalizes a comprehensive partnership and establishes the legal, financial, and regulatory framework required to advance deployment across the country.

The partners commend the Government of Vietnam for its forward-thinking approach in advancing regulatory frameworks that enable hyperscale data center deployment and public cloud adoption, positioning Vietnam as a regional leader in AI infrastructure development.

Backed by consumption commitments of up to $1 billion, the partnership represents a significant milestone in Vietnam’s and the region’s digital transformation journey.

Under the agreement, the consortium and G42 will deploy significant cloud capacity across three data center locations in Vietnam, delivering high-performance AI and cloud services to support public and private sector workloads.

The initiative aligns with G42’s broader mission to build a global and inclusive Intelligence Grid, interconnecting advanced AI infrastructure, cloud platforms, and governance frameworks to enable AI capabilities on demand, while respecting national sovereignty.

Through this infrastructure, Vietnam will gain the technical foundation to develop national AI initiatives across both public and private sectors, digitizing services and deploying AI-powered solutions tailored to national priorities.

It is noted that the consortium and G42 bring together complementary strengths essential for national-scale deployment.

The FPT Corporation, Vietnam’s largest information technology services company with operations across 30+ countries, provides deep technical expertise and local market knowledge.

The Viet Thai Group, a leading consumer-focused group with portfolio companies spanning coffee, foodservice, retail, and logistics, contributes strategic capabilities and cross-sector insights.

G42, the Abu Dhabi-based artificial intelligence holding group, brings advanced AI infrastructure capabilities.

“This framework agreement represents a new model for national AI transformation – one built on sovereignty, partnership, and purpose,” said Ali Al Amine, Chief Commercial Officer, G42 International.

“We are grateful to the Government of Vietnam for their visionary leadership and to our partners, the FPT Corporation and the Viet Thai Group for their commitment to building infrastructure that enables Vietnam to harness AI’s full potential while maintaining data sovereignty and digital independence,” he added.

Dr. Truong Gia Binh, Chairman, FPT Corporation, said Vietnam clearly understands that it cannot move forward alone.

“In areas such as semiconductors, AI, cloud computing, big data, and cybersecurity, we need strategic alliances with partners we can rely on and trust,

“The leaders have shown strong commitment, built mutual trust, and now it is time to turn those commitments into real implementation,” he added.

David Thai, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Viet Thai Group, said this initiative positions Vietnam at the forefront of AI-driven economic development in Asia, supporting economic development and the growth of the middle class in Vietnam.

“Our partnership with G42 and FPT creates the infrastructure foundation for long-term growth and innovation across multiple sectors,” he added.

Beyond infrastructure development, the partnership includes plans for national AI skilling and workforce development programs designed to support AI adoption across government, industry, and academia.

Following the signing of the framework agreement, the consortium and G42 will advance to the next phase of execution, including finalizing workload distribution between public and private sectors, securing regulatory approvals for public cloud adoption, and commencing site development for data center infrastructure.

The initiative is expected to generate significant economic impact through direct infrastructure investment, job creation, and positioning Vietnam as a strategic technology hub for the region, said the statement.
 
Some people liken free speech with lies, insults, defamation and false information.
Since when do you care whether it's a lie or not?

Vietnam has publicly issued arrest warrants for Le Trung Khoa (Berlin) and Nguyen Van Dai (Hesse), both residing in Germany, since Friday. They are accused of "producing, possessing, distributing, or transferring information, documents, and materials against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam." This relates to their journalistic activities.

The Vietnamese authorities knew that both men lived in Germany and that Le Trung Khoa was a German citizen. However, they still published their last known place of residence in Vietnam and declared them as Vietnamese citizens. Mr. Le could not renounce his Vietnamese citizenship when he obtained German citizenship in 2024 because the Vietnamese Embassy in Berlin refused all consular services to him. Therefore, he holds dual citizenship.

By issuing this arrest warrant, Vietnam is violating German law. They wrote: "Anyone who identifies the whereabouts of the defendants Nguyen Van Dai or Le Trung Khoa is permitted to arrest them immediately and bring them to the nearest police station, prosecutor's office, or people's committee." However, Vietnam knows that both men live in Germany. In Germany, only German police are authorized to make arrests. With this appeal, Vietnam is inciting its citizens to disregard this fundamental principle of German law. In principle, this appeal could also be interpreted as inciting kidnapping. After all, otherwise, how could these two men be handed over to a police station, prosecutor's office, or people's committee? People's committees don't even exist in Germany.

German police and the German Foreign Ministry have been notified of this violation of German law.

Beide Männer leben in Deutschland unter Polizeischutz und werden nicht nach Vietnam ausgeliefert. Einer von ihnen ist sogar deutscher Staatsbürger.
Both men live in Germany under police protection and will not be extradited to Vietnam. One of them is even a German citizen.
https://taz.de/Schauprozess-in-Vietnam/!6142084/

In the civil lawsuit Vingroup against Le Trung Khoa the court ordered Khoa to pay 20 % of the costs. In addition Khoa must not publish any fake news again. If he does, he can face fines of up to €250,000 per violation or end up to 2 years in jail.
Well deserved.

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I thought you said you hadn't been following this case?
 
I don’t know what your problem is but you have a problem. If I am not mistaken it was you who brought up the case here of that guy here.
This time, you brought up the news about that guy first, not me.
Because I watched the video, searched the story Google noticed my behavior and brings up news about it once a while.
You don't even understand Vietnamese, so how are you supposed to "watch" that video? And if you actually followed the news, you would know most of Vuong/Vingroup/VinFast's claims were dismissed. Also, the part about them "winning" against Le Trung Khoa has nothing to do with VinFast's overall car quality.
No, in general I am not interested of that stuff.
Then why posted the news here? Did you even watch the video btw?
The internet is overloaded with fake news and misinformation.
Correct. A lot of what you posted here reeks of fake news. Same with Vuong "winning" against Le Trung Khoa and Vietnam's so-called warrants against a German citizen.
From what I see this guy is just a loser, he seeks ways to make money. That’s all. Not really paid off for him considering what he gets in return.
Not a loser. Apparently he has a Mercedes now. In Vietnam these days, owning a German car is basically a status badge.
Plz don’t bring up such nonsense here in the future, waste of time.
You literally said you're allowed to post anything and that I should do the same. So why can't I post what I want here?
 
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He has a Mercedes? Cool, congrats. Apparently some of his nonsense generates money. By the way having a Mercedes is nothing special here in Germany, I can buy 1 tomorrow if I want to. But I won’t. Mercedes is considered as car for old men, used by taxi companies, old fashioned.
It depends on which Mercedes model you're talking about. He drives an S-Class, so he's obviously not a loser like you WANT him to be. And since when does reporting news make someone a loser? You have been posting fake news and misinformation here all the time.
I don’t understand why you repeat such shit I don’t speak or read Vietnamese?
If the video content doesn't match your claims, that's a problem. Either you're intentionally posting misinformation, or you can't understand Vietnamese.
 

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