Vietnam Wants To Buy Western Fighter Jets And Drones To Counter China

U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter (L) raises a toast with Vietnamese army generals after they signed the Joint Vision Statement during a ceremony at the Ministry of Defence in Hanoi June 1, 2015. Reuters/Hoang Dinh Nam/Pool

Reuters: Exclusive: Vietnam eyes Western warplanes, patrol aircraft to counter China

Vietnam is in talks with European and U.S. contractors to buy fighter jets, maritime patrol planes and unarmed drones, sources said, as it looks to beef up its aerial defenses in the face of China's growing assertiveness in disputed waters.

The battle-hardened country has already taken possession of three Russian-built Kilo-attack submarines and has three more on order as part of a $2.6 billion deal agreed in 2009. Upgrading its air force would give Vietnam one of the most potent militaries in Southeast Asia.

The previously unreported aircraft discussions have involved Swedish defense contractor Saab (SAABb.ST), European consortium Eurofighter, the defense wing of Airbus Group (AIR.PA) and U.S. firms Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) and Boeing (BA.N), said industry sources with direct knowledge of the talks.

Update #1: Vietnam sends message to China with bid to buy fighter jets and drones -- The Guardian
Update #2: US, Vietnam Deepen Defense Ties -- Prashanth Parameswaran, The Diplomat

WNU Editor: This is just more proof that an arms race is now underway in Southeast Asia.