Multimedia

Vietnam’s Air Defence Missile Force: A core ground-to-air unit safeguarding national airspace

TB (according to VNA) • 21/07/2025 11:49

Over the past 60 years of establishment, combat, and development (July 24, 1965 – 2025), Vietnam’s Air Defence Missile Force has continuously grown to become a modern military arm. Braving countless difficulties and fierce battles, always fighting bravely and winning decisively, the force has contributed alongside the Air Force, Anti-Aircraft Artillery, Radar, and other three-category air defence units to forming a solid ground-to-air defence posture, helping to protect the nation’s skies.

President Ho Chi Minh visits Battalion 61 of Missile Regiment 236 – Song Da Missile Brigade, following the unit’s initial victory (Aug. 26, 1965). (Photo: VNA) — President Ho Chi Minh visits Battalion 61 of Missile Regiment 236 – Song Da Missile Brigade, following the unit’s initial victory (Aug. 26, 1965)

General Vo Nguyen Giap visits and speaks with troops of Missile Battalion 79, tasked with protecting the capital city (Dec. 30, 1972). (Photo: VNA) — General Vo Nguyen Giap visits and speaks with troops of Missile Battalion 79, tasked with protecting the capital city (Dec. 30, 1972)

Missile soldiers from Unit 43 (Military Zone 4) share experience using a sand table (1972). (Photo: VNA) — Missile soldiers from Unit 43 (Military Zone 4) share experience using a sand table (1972)

Party General Secretary To Lam, Secretary of the Central Military Commission, visits and works with Missile Brigade 490 of the Artillery Arm (Feb. 10, 2025). (Photo: VNA) — Party General Secretary To Lam, Secretary of the Central Military Commission, visits and works with Missile Brigade 490 of the Artillery Arm (February 10, 2025)

Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Phiet, Hero of the People’s Armed Forces – known for downing many US aircraft during the “12-Day-and-Night Campaign” – alongside fellow missile veterans at the gathering to mark the 60th founding anniversary of the Air Defence Missile Force (Jul 24, 1965 –2025). (Photo: VNA) — Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Phiet, Hero of the People’s Armed Forces – known for downing many US aircraft during the “12-Day-and-Night Campaign” – alongside fellow missile veterans at the gathering to mark the 60th founding anniversary of the Air Defence Missile Force (July 24, 1965 –2025)

The Missile Force has received major investment from the Party and State to advance directly towards modernisation, including the deployment of the advanced S-300 air defence missile system, always ready to firmly defend national airspace, maritime zones, and islands