United States–Vietnam Strategic Defense Partnership (SDP)

The evolution of U.S.–Vietnam military relations is one of the most unexpected yet significant shifts in Indo-Pacific security over the past fifty years. Decades after the Vietnam War, the two nations now collaborate on maritime security, defense modernization, and regional stability—largely due to their shared concerns over China’s military expansion in the South China Sea. In September 2023, Washington and Hanoi upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, expanding military exercises, intelligence-sharing, and weapons sales.

History and Strategic Context

Cold War and U.S.-Vietnam War (1955–1975): The U.S. fought against North Vietnam (communist forces) and the Viet Cong, supporting South Vietnam until its fall in 1975. Relations remained hostile until normalization in 1995.
Post-Normalization Security Ties (1995–2016): The U.S. lifted its arms embargo on Vietnam in 2016, allowing the sale of defense equipment. Vietnam and the U.S. expanded maritime security cooperation, particularly against Chinese encroachment in the South China Sea (East Sea).
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2023): Marked a major upgrade in U.S.-Vietnam ties, including enhanced military technology collaboration and joint military training.

Key Defense Agreements and Initiatives

Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2023): Expands defense ties, particularly in maritime security, cyber defense, and military modernization.
Memorandum of Understanding (2011) & Joint Vision Statement on Defense Relations (2015): Established formal military cooperation and joint naval exercises.
Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Defense Aid: U.S. military aid focuses on maritime domain awareness, coastal defense, and air surveillance. Vietnam has received: Hamilton-class Coast Guard cutters for naval patrols. ScanEagle drones for reconnaissance and surveillance. Harpoon coastal defense systems (pending approval).
Joint Military Exercises and Training: Pacific Partnership: U.S.-Vietnam medical and humanitarian assistance drills. Defensive Naval Drills: U.S. and Vietnamese warships conduct joint search-and-rescue and security patrols in the South China Sea. U.S. Training for Vietnamese Military Officers: Vietnam participates in U.S. International Military Education and Training (IMET) programs.

Key Areas of Military Cooperation

Maritime Security and South China Sea Defense: Enhances Vietnam’s coast guard and naval capabilities against Chinese territorial claims.
Cyber and Defense Technology Collaboration: The U.S. assists Vietnam in modernizing its cybersecurity and electronic warfare capabilities.
Military Exchange and Training: Expanded U.S.-Vietnam military officer exchanges and tactical training programs.
Arms Procurement Shift: Vietnam is diversifying its military procurement away from Russia and toward U.S. and Western arms suppliers.

Strategic Significance

Countering Chinese Expansion in the Indo-Pacific: Strengthens Vietnam’s deterrence posture against China’s claims over the South China Sea.
Boosting U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy: Enhances U.S. regional presence without requiring a military base in Vietnam.
Vietnam’s Shift Toward Defense Diversification: Vietnam remains non-aligned but is reducing reliance on Russian arms in favor of U.S. and Western technologies.
Expanding Trilateral Cooperation: Vietnam is increasing defense coordination with the U.S. and other partners like Japan, Australia, and India.

Links

U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2023)
U.S. Security Assistance to Vietnam
Vietnam’s Maritime Defense Strategy