Former colonizer France agrees to help Vietnam modernize its military

Vietnam asks France for military upgrades

HANOI, Vietnam — The French defense minister has agreed to help Vietnam modernize its military on a historic visit to the former colony, state media reported Tuesday.

Vietnam recently bought radar, helicopters and transport aircraft from France, according to French Defense Minister Herve Morin, as the Southeast Asian country gradually tries to upgrade its antiquated armed forces.

“There is a strong demand from Vietnam for France’s active participation in the modernization of its army,” Morin was quoted by online newspaper VietnamNet as saying. “France is willing to meet all demands by Vietnam.”

Morin’s visit Monday marked the first time a French defense minister traveled to the country since Vietnam’s 1954 surprise defeat at Dien Bien Phu, which led to the surrender and withdrawal of French forces.

The countries also discussed cooperation between their navies, armies and air forces, and France will soon organize training courses for Vietnamese military officers, Morin said.

Before the recent order from France, Russia, the country’s former communist ally, had been Vietnam’s main supplier of armaments. In December, Vietnam ordered six Kilo submarines and 12 Sukhoi Su-30MK2 fighter jets from Moscow.

In recent years, Vietnam has developed closer military ties with another former foe, the United States, including exchanging defense minister visits, welcoming U.S. Navy ships and participating in military-to-military training . The Vietnam War ended in 1975 when northern Communist forces seized the U.S.-backed capital of former South Vietnam, reunifying the country.