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

Abstract

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 presents background on the current operating environment in the South China Sea, and how Vietnamese submarines could affect the balance of power in the region. Despite countless talks over balance of power in the region, continued aggression by the Chinese shows a paradox of words over actions. The paper describes the current state of the Vietnamese Navy and its limited operating capabilities, but also argues that these submarines will help facilitate a naval balance in the region, indirectly creating a maritime balance there. The counterargument set forth by some scholars is that continued acquisitions of submarines by the Vietnamese Navy will have a destabilizing effect on the region, further complicating already delicate relationships. In conclusion, the paper provides recommendations for both Vietnam and the United States, in particular, how continued cooperation between them will help avoid destabilization in the region.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 2013
Accession Number
ADA594138

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

  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union
  • Maritime and Naval Warfare Studies
  • Strategic Security Studies