6 Kilos: Can Vietnamese Submarines Help Reclaim the South China Sea

Abstract

6 Kilos: Can Vietnamese Submarines help reclaim the South China Sea? In April 2009, Vietnam purchased 6 Russian Varshavyanka class diesel submarines, better known to the world by their NATO designation, Kilo class. This is a massive leap in both technology and operational reach by the Vietnamese Navy. This paper will present a background of the current operating environment in the South China Sea. Despite countless talks over balance in the region, continued aggression by the Chinese shows a paradox of words over actions. Next, the paper will provide an account of the current state of the Vietnamese Navy and its limited operating capabilities. The paper will then get at the argument that these submarines will help facilitate a naval balance in the region, indirectly creating a maritime balance in the region. The counterargument will show that some scholars feel continued acquisitions by the Vietnamese armed forces, more specifically the submarines, will have a destabilizing effect on the region, further complicating already delicate relationships. Finally, the paper will provide recommendations for both Vietnam and the U.S. and how a continued cooperation will help avoid destabilization in the region.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 2013
Accession Number
AD1080178

Entities

People

  • Christopher Bailey

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Agreements
  • Boats
  • Environment
  • Geography
  • International Law
  • Military Operations
  • Naval Vessels
  • Naval Warfare
  • Navy
  • Sea Control
  • Ships
  • South China Sea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Submarines
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Asian Economic Studies
  • Maritime and Naval Warfare Studies
  • Strategic Security Studies