The Missile Force has received major investment from the Party and State to advance directly towards modernisation, including the deployment of the advanced S-300 air defence missile system, always ready to firmly defend national airspace, maritime zones, and islands. (Photo: VNA)
A C-75M3 missile leaves its launch pad to destroy a target during a live-fire exercise in 2022, conducted by the Air Defence – Air Force Service (Nov. 17, 2022). (Photo: VNA)
Missile operators play a decisive role in ensuring the success of launches targeting enemy objects. (Photo: VNA)
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung visits and inspects combat readiness at the Air Defence Missile Unit 64 (Division 361) on Jan. 13, 2013. (Photo: VNA)
Vietnam’s Air Defence Missile Force has evolved into a modern military branch. In this photo: Officers and soldiers of the heroic Missile Battalion 77 under Regiment 257, Division 361 maintain antenna equipment to ensure combat readiness. (Photo: VNA)
General Vo Nguyen Giap visits and speaks with troops of Missile Battalion 79, tasked with protecting the capital city (Dec. 30, 1972). (Photo: VNA)
Missile soldiers from Unit 43 (Military Zone 4) share experience using a sand table (1972). (Photo: VNA)
President Ho Chi Minh visits Battalion 61 of Missile Regiment 236 – Song Da Missile Brigade, following the unit’s initial victory (Aug. 26, 1965). (Photo: VNA)
Party General Secretary To Lam, Secretary of the Central Military Commission, visits and works with Missile Brigade 490 of the Artillery Arm (Feb. 10, 2025). (Photo: VNA)
Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Phiet, Hero of the People’s Armed Forces – known for downing many US aircraft during the “12-Day-and-Night Campaign” – alongside fellow missile veterans at the gathering to mark the 60th founding anniversary of the Air Defence Missile Force (Jul 24, 1965 –2025). (Photo: VNA)
Vietnam’s Air Defence Missile Force: A core ground-to-air unit safeguarding national airspace
Over the past 60 years of establishment, combat, and development (Jul. 24, 1965 –2025), Vietnam’s Air Defence Missile Force has continuously grown to become a modern military arm. Braving countless difficulties and fierce battles, always fighting bravely and winning decisively, the force has contributed alongside the Air Force, Anti-Aircraft Artillery, Radar, and other three-category air defence units to forming a solid ground-to-air defence posture, helping to protect the nation’s skies.