Vietnam between Moscow and Paris: Rafale as a marker of strategic pivot

Hanoi is considering the possibility of purchasing French fighters, thereby signaling a gradual shift away from its previous dependence on Russian platforms. The potential contract for Dassault Aviation aircraft becomes not just a matter of technology, but an indicator of geopolitical evolution.

This involves a possible transition to standards compatible with Western management and maintenance systems.

Soviet Era Legacy

For decades, the Vietnamese Air Force has been built around equipment received from Moscow. The fleet still includes Su-22, Su-27, Su-30, and Yak-130 training and combat aircraft.

This architecture creates a stable dependency — from spare parts to personnel training.

Why the Search for Alternatives Began

In 2022, Hanoi publicly announced its intention to diversify purchases. Political and sanction risks, rising maintenance costs, and the need for technological upgrades are driving the search for new options.

Negotiations around the Dassault Rafale confirm that declarations are beginning to turn into practice.

Israeli Influence in Armored Vehicles

The refusal of new T-90S batches was accompanied by another decision: to upgrade the fleet of old machines. Israeli technologies play an important role in this process.

This choice demonstrates that Vietnam is seeking hybrid models — upgrading the Soviet base with Western solutions.

For experts whose assessments are quoted by NAnews — Israel News | Nikk.Agency, this is an example of a pragmatic course: not breaking the system at once, but changing it gradually.

American Window of Opportunity

After the embargo was lifted in 2016, the US market gradually opened up. Over the past years, Vietnam has purchased American equipment worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

The list includes coast guard boats, training platforms, and related solutions.

What Remains on Hold

Discussions on a possible F-16 purchase continue, but no final agreements have been reached. The reasons range from financial to infrastructural.

The transition to Western combat aircraft requires new logistics, and it is expensive.

The Cost of Modernization

It’s not just about technology. It is necessary to change airfields, weapons storage systems, maintenance standards, and the training of pilots and engineers.

These are investments for years to come.

But in Hanoi, judging by the statements, they are ready to consider such expenses as the price for strategic autonomy.

Reports of Parallel Purchases

Meanwhile, the American press, including The New York Times, writes about secret agreements on the Russian direction. Possible contracts for dozens of aircraft and electronic warfare systems are mentioned.

If the information is confirmed, it will show that Vietnam does not choose “either-or.”

Balance as a Strategy

Hanoi acts cautiously. It expands contacts with France and the US, cooperates with Israel, but does not sever ties with Moscow.

This approach allows maneuvering, avoiding sharp imbalances, and maintaining freedom of decision.

This multi-vector approach is becoming a key characteristic of Vietnam’s defense policy today.