Vietnam has the most heavy fighter jets in Southeast Asia.

In the 'World Air Forces 2017' report by Flight International Magazine, Vietnam has 46 Su-27/30 heavy fighters, the most in Southeast Asia.

According to the report, the number of aircraft in service with the Vietnam Air Force (VAF) did not change much when compared to the 2015 report. However, the number of Su-27/30 fighters of the VAF increased by 3.

It is possible that Flight International counted the receipt of 4 more Su-30MK2s during the year, but it discounted 1 Su-30MK2 that crashed during training in mid-2016.

Vietnam Su-30 fighter.

Meanwhile, the number of L-39 training aircraft also decreased by 1, from 26 to 25. It is possible that Flight International's statistics table also promptly updated the L-39 accident of the Vietnam Air Force that crashed during training in 2016.

Based on the results of Flight International's report, Vietnam currently possesses a total of 46 Su-27/30 heavy fighter jets, the most in Southeast Asia in terms of heavy fighter jet force.

Regarding the modernization process of the Vietnam Air Force, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said that in the period 1995 - 1998, Vietnam received 12 Su-27SK, Su-27UBK and Su-27PU fighters. This is an air defense fighter version with the NATO designation Flanker B.

In 2003, Vietnam continued to order 4 Su-30MK2 (Flanker G) multi-role fighters under a contract worth about 120 million USD, with delivery completed in 2004. Compared to the Su-27, the Su-30MK2 has superior ground and water attack capabilities while its air combat power is not inferior.

In 2009, Vietnam continued to sign a contract to buy 8 more Su-30MK2s with a total value of about 500 million USD. These aircraft were delivered in the period 2010 - 2011, and are distinguished by their light blue camouflage paint.

Almost parallel to the second Su-30MK2 supply deal was a $1 billion contract to purchase 12 more aircraft signed in 2010, and Russia delivered the full number to Vietnam in 2012. Although these Su-30MK2s have a new paint scheme (camouflage green), their configuration is said to be unchanged from the first 12 aircraft.

After putting into service 24 Su-30MK2s, there were opinions that Vietnam would choose a more advanced heavy fighter line such as Su-35S or Su-30SM, but then the package to supply 12 more Su-30MK2s was signed in 2013.

In addition to Singapore, currently in the ASEAN region there is the Malaysian Air Force operating 18 Su-30MKM and the Indonesian Air Force equipped with 5 Su-27SK/SKM and 11 Su-30MK/MK2.

In the future, if we decide to buy more Su-30SM or Su-35S, Vietnam's number of heavy fighters will completely surpass the remaining countries.

According to Baodatviet