Sweden and Vietnam: A new partnership Part I

Gripen for India

Gripen for Brasil

Through partnership with Saab AB both Brasil and India will be potential exporters of combat aircraft like Sweden by 2020. Saab also has entered into a partnership with Thailand company Avia Satcom Co. Ltd., to form a joint venture for developing high technology products within aviation and defence. This is a great model for Vietnam to adapt for high-tech economic development, and advance its aerospace industry. To make such partnership possible Vietnam will need to develop the support industries in the area of defense, and doing so enable it to move higher up in the global supply chain. Saab Gripen NG is comparable to Lockeed JSF F-35 (available in 2012 and expected to be in service until 2040). However, it is important to note that the F-35 will be the last manned combat aircraft that the United States will develop, as unmanned aircraft system (UAS) will dominate the future of military and civil aviation.

JSF @ The National Air and Space Museum - Chantilly, VA

Sweden foreign policy and military capability had allowed the country to maintain its independence and neutrality throughout the World Wars and Cold War. During the Cold War, Sweden pursued a security policy based on strong national defenses aimed to discourage attack from its powerful neighbor in the East. In designing its fighter aircraft Draken & Viggen (the older brethrens of Gripen), one of the main requirements was that it must have good short-runway performance that could land and take off on roads and highways, in case Swedish military and airports were overrun. Undersea, the Swedish Gotland class diesel-electric submarines are believed to be the most advanced in the world. In 2005 the US Navy decided to lease the Swedish commanded HMS-Gotland for two years. In the wargaming exercise in San Diego, the HMS-Gotland effectively succeeded in sinking the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier.

In the ultra competitive defense industry, home of the Nobel Prize is willing to share some of its R&D to key partners that will play a major role in maintaining regional security. Thailand has signed on, Brasil and India ventures are in the pipeline. It is time for Vietnam to evaluate the alternatives of being an ardent importer of military arms, and seek out co-development opportunities and partnerships that will cement its independent spirit. Aside from gaining the technical know-how through partnership with Saab AB, Sweden's history offer an invaluable case-study for Vietnam. [I will dwell into more details in Part II of this topic.]