Annual defense budget: $2.29bn 

Defense spending trend: Down 1% in 2002

Vietnam has large and well-equipped armed forces, notably the world's seventh-largest army. Military service is compulsory, and conscripts serve two- or three-year terms. The army's role in preserving both stability and socialism was reaffirmed in 2001. Increased defense spending on the navy reflects tensions in the South China Sea, where there are disputed claims to the Spratly and Paracel Islands.

VIETNAMESE ARMED FORCES

Army
		1211 main battle tanks (T-34/54/55/62, PRC Type-59)		412,000 personnel
Navy
		2 submarines, 6 frigates, 42 patrol boats		42,000 personnel
Air force
		189 combat aircraft (53 Su-22, 12 Su-27, 124 MiG-21bis/PF)		30,000 personnel
Nuclear capability
		None

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004