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The VCS-01, referred to as "Truong Son," is a Vietnamese mobile coastal defense system developed to succeed the Soviet-era 4K51 Rubezh. The system integrates multiple components, including self-propelled launcher vehicles, target acquisition radars, command and control vehicles, transport and loading units, and technical inspection vehicles. It is designed to enhance Vietnam’s coastal defense capabilities, particularly in the South China Sea.

Design

The VCS-01 system features the VLV-01 self-propelled launcher vehicle, capable of carrying up to eight missiles across two vehicles, each with four missiles. This configuration offers a significant increase in missile capacity compared to the Soviet Rubezh system, which carried only two P-15 Termit missiles. The VLV-01 launcher vehicle can become operational in under 10 minutes, with dimensions of less than 12.2 meters in length, 2.75 meters in width, and 4.2 meters in height, and a weight of under 40 tons.

The system incorporates integrated radar and command components to function in both centralized and standalone modes. It can independently calculate missile trajectories, allowing for flexible deployment scenarios.

Missile

The primary missile used by the VCS-01 is the VSM-01A, also known as "Song Hong," which replaces the P-15 Termit missile. This missile is part of the VCM-01 missile family, modeled on the Russian Kh-35E but with several modifications. These include a lighter airframe, redesigned air intake, and updated avionics. The VSM-01A missile has a range of 80 kilometers, doubling that of the P-15 Termit. It operates at high subsonic speeds and features advanced guidance systems for improved targeting precision.

The missile is less than 5,000 millimeters in length, has a body diameter of 315 millimeters, and weighs under 600 kilograms. It is powered by the domestically developed VJE-01 turbojet engine, which was created after discussions with South Korea regarding the SSE-750K turbojet engine did not lead to collaboration. The VJE-01 supports high subsonic speeds and enables localized production capabilities.

Development

The VCS-01 system was developed by a collaboration between the Viettel Aerospace Institute, Viettel Manufacturing Corporation, and the Z189 Shipyard. Prototypes were tested in 2018 in the Quỳnh Lưu and Tiền Hải districts. The system officially entered service in April 2024 under Brigade 679 of the 1st Regional Command. Testing also included trials on modified Shershen-class torpedo boats, demonstrating the missile's versatility.

Operational History

The VCS-01 system aligns with Vietnam’s anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) strategy, aimed at securing maritime interests in the South China Sea. This strategy includes the use of Kilo-class submarines, Su-30MK2 aircraft, and the domestically produced VCM-01 missile system. At its debut during a defense expo, the VCS-01 system showcased compatibility with various platforms, including missile boats, frigates, and potentially aircraft.

Strategic Importance

Vietnam has emphasized domestic production of naval and anti-ship weapons to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and address specific defense needs. The development of the VCS-01 and VCM-01 systems reflects this focus, enabling Vietnam to adapt its military technology to local conditions and operational requirements. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to modernize Vietnam’s naval forces and address regional security challenges, particularly in the face of tensions in the South China Sea.

Variants

VCS-01A - Standard coastal defense variant.

VCS-01B - Extended-range variant (development ongoing).

Operators

 Vietnam

• •  Vietnam People's Navy - Developed and operated by the Vietnam People's Navy under the coastal missile & artillery forces.

See also

Kh-35

4K51 Rubezh

P-15 Termit

References

External links

Viettel official website

{{Vietnamese military equipment}}

• Pending AfC submissions
• Pending AfC submissions in article space
• Anti-ship cruise missiles of Vietnam
• Military equipment introduced in the 2020s
• Coastal defense systems
• Vietnam People's Navy