India deals Akash surface-to-air missile systems to Vietnam

NEW DELHI: India is now actively discussing the promising sale of the indigenously developed Akash surface-to-air missile systems to Vietnam though the two countries steadily crank up their bilateral military ties with a watchful eye on a confrontational China in the Asia-Pacific region.

The discussions under way with Vietnam on the Akash area defence missiles have an interception range of 25-km against hostile aircraft, jets and drones, come after India earlier offered BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Varunastra anti-submarine torpedoes to the country.

According to the sources said India will also begin training Vietnamese fighter pilots on its Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets from this year, much like it has been tutoring sailors from that country on the intricate art of operating Kilo-class submarines for the last three years.

On the other hand, India is fast expanding its military training, technology sharing, joint exercises, visits and exchange of experts with Vietnam.