Poland Offers Combat-Proven Domestic Weapons to Vietnam

Poland has offered Vietnam access to its combat-proven domestic weapons during defense talks in Warsaw on August 21 between Deputy Minister of National Defense Paweł Bejda and Rear Admiral Le Ba Quan, Deputy Commander of the Vietnamese Navy.

According to Poland’s defense ministry, the meeting focused on strengthening military cooperation, with discussions covering arms sales, technology transfer, and expanded training. “Such activities could contribute to better mutual understanding and further strengthen military relations between the two countries,” the ministry said in a statement.

Bejda underlined that Poland is prepared to provide the Vietnamese armed forces with equipment already tested in war, particularly in Ukraine, where Polish-made systems have been widely deployed against Russian forces.

While the ministry did not specify the weapons offered to Vietnam, some of the Polish-made combat-proven systems include:

• Krab Self-Propelled Howitzer (155mm): Used extensively by Ukraine since 2022, offering effective fire support up to 40 km.
• Piorun MANPADS: Credited with downing Russian Ka-52 attack helicopters and drones such as Shahed-136.
• Warmate Loitering Munition: Portable system used for precision strikes against fortified positions.
• FlyEye Reconnaissance UAV: Provides surveillance and artillery coordination, integrated with Krab operations.
• Rak 120mm Self-Propelled Mortar: Deployed in Ukraine since 2023, delivering rapid indirect fire.
• Rosomak Infantry Fighting Vehicle: Armored transport equipped with a 30mm cannon, seen in combat near Bakhmut.
• PT-91 Twardy Main Battle Tank: Engaged in frontline battles, upgraded with reactive armor.
• Beryl and Grot Assault Rifles: Used by Ukrainian forces and NATO missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Unmanned Systems by WB Group: Including the TOPAZ fire-control system and Silent Network battlefield communications.

The potential defense package for Vietnam could also involve industrial cooperation, allowing local production of Polish systems under license. This reflects Poland’s stated openness to transfer technology and expand training, including joint exercises and operational knowledge-sharing.

Analysts note that Vietnam has been seeking to diversify its defense partnerships amid rising maritime security challenges in the South China Sea, while Poland has sought to expand defense exports after its weapons gained battlefield reputation in Ukraine.