Vietnam considering to procure Astra Mk-1 to replace Russian R-77 BVRAAM for its Sukhoi Su-30MK2 fleet

Source : IgMp Bureau

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Vietnam is actively considering to procure the Astra Mk-1 air-to-air missile for its 32 Sukhoi Su-30MK2 fighter jets to replace the obsolete Russian R-77 missiles in its inventory.

International sanctions on Russia have made it difficult for its existing customers to place new orders and other countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia might also opt to purchase the Astra Mk 1 missile for their Su-30 aircraft.

India and Vietnam have already collaborated in the training of pilots and ground crew of the Su-30 fleet and Vietnam might go ahead with the upgradation of Su-30 fleet with Indian systems if the Western Sanctions on Russian defense companies is not removed soon.

India has already expressed interest to offer the Super Sukhoi upgrade package to friendly foreign nations as the upgrade deal has the potential to unlock massive upgrade orders given the large fleet of Su-30 aircraft currently in service around the world.

Vietnam has also sought approval of technology transfer agreement with India to enable local production of the 70 kilometers range Akash-NG SAM that will cover the mid-level range gap between Vietnam's S-300 systems and low-level SPYDER SAM batteries.