This article is about the weapons used in the Vietnam War, which involved the People’s Army of Vietnam (PAVN) or North Vietnamese Army (NVA), National Liberation Front for South Vietnam (NLF) or Viet Cong (VC), and the armed forces of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN), United States, Republic of Korea, Philippines, Thailand, and the Australian, New Zealand defence forces, and a variety of irregular troops.
Nearly all United States-allied forces were armed with U.S. weapons including the M1 Garand, M-14 and M-16. The Australian army employed the 7.62 mm L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle as their service rifle, with the occasional US M16.
The NVA, although having inherited a variety of American, French, and Japanese weapons from World War II and the First Indochina War (aka French Indochina War), were largely armed and supplied by the People's Republic of China, the Soviet Union, and its Warsaw Pact allies. In addition, some weapons—notably anti-personnel explosives, the K-50M (a PPSh-41 copy), and “home-made” versions of the RPG-2—were manufactured in Vietnam. By 1969 the US Army had identified 40 rifle/carbine types, 22 machine gun types, 17 types of mortar, 20 recoilless rifle or rocket launcher types, 9 types of antitank weapons, and 14 anti-aircraft artillery weapons used by ground troops on all sides. Also in use, primarily by anti-communist forces, were the 24 types of armored vehicles and self-propelled artillery, and 26 types of field artillery & rocket launchers.
Communist forces and weapons
Communist forces were principally armed with Chinese and Soviet weaponry though some Viet Cong guerrilla units were equipped with Western infantry weapons either captured from French stocks during the first Indochina war, such as the MAT-49, or from ARVN units or requisitioned through illicit purchase.
The American M16 rifle, which replaced the M14, was lighter and considered more accurate than the AK-47 but was prone to jamming. Often the gun suffered from a jamming flaw known as "failure to extract," which meant that a spent cartridge case remained lodged in the chamber after a bullet flew out the muzzle. According to a congressional report, the jamming was caused primarily by a change in gunpowder which was done without adequate testing and reflected a decision for which the safety of soldiers was a secondary consideration.
The heavily armored, 90 mm M48A3 Patton tank saw extensive action during the Vietnam War and over 600 were deployed with US Forces. They played an important role in infantry support though there were few tank versus tank battles. The M67A1 flamethrower tank (nicknamed the Zippo) was an M48 variant used in Vietnam. Artillery was used extensively by both sides but the Americans were able to ferry the lightweight 105 mm M102 howitzer by helicopter to remote locations on quick notice. With its 17-mile (27 km) range, the Soviet 130 mm M-46 towed field gun was a highly regarded weapon and used to good effect by the NVA. It was countered by the long-range, American 175 mm M107 Self-Propelled Gun.
The United States had air superiority though many aircraft were lost to surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft artillery. U.S. air power was credited with breaking the siege of Khe Sanh and blunting the 1972 Communist offensive against South Vietnam. At sea, the U.S. Navy had the run of the coastline, using aircraft carriers as platforms for offshore strikes and other naval vessels for offshore artillery support. Offshore naval fire played a pivotal role in the Battle for the city of Hue, providing accurate fire in support of the U.S. counter-offensive to retake the city.
The Vietnam War was the first conflict that saw wide scale tactical deployment of helicopters. The Bell UH-1 Iroquois was used extensively in counter-guerilla operations both as a troop carrier and a gunship. In the latter role, the "Huey" as it became affectionately known, was outfitted with a variety of armaments including M60 machine guns, multi-barreled 7.62 mm Gatling guns and unguided air-to-surface rockets. The Hueys were also successfully used in MEDEVAC and search and rescue roles.
Pistols and revolvers
Colt M1911A1 – Standard US Military sidearm.Browning High Power – used by Australian and New Zealand forces. Also used on an unofficial basis by US Reconnaissance and Special Forces units.Smith & Wesson Mark 22 Mod.0 "Hush Puppy" – Suppressed pistol used by SEALs and other United States special operations forces.Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless – Carried by US Military Officers. Replaced by the Colt Commander in the mid-1960sColt Commander – Replaced the Colt M1903 as an Officer's sidearm in the mid-1960s.M1917 revolver – Used by the South Vietnamese and US forces during the beginning of the war alongside the Smith & Wesson Model 10. Used rather prominently by 'Tunnel Rat' units.Smith & Wesson Model 10 – Used concurrently with Colt and S&W M1917 Revolvers.Smith & Wesson Model 12 – Carried by US Army and USAF pilots.Smith & Wesson Model 15 – Carried by USAF Security Police UnitsSmith & Wesson Model 27 – Carried by MACV-SOGHigh Standard HDM – Integrally suppressed .22LR handgun, supplemented by the Mark 22 Mod 0 in the later stages of the war.M1935 – Captured models were used in limited numbers.M1892 – Captured models were used in limited numbers.L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle – Used by Australian and New Zealand soldiers in VietnamAR-10 – Limited usesM1 Garand – Used by the South Vietnamese, South Koreans and Laotians. Limited numbers were carried by early US advisors and USMC troops.M1, M1A1, & M2 Carbine – Used by the South Vietnamese Military, Police and Security Forces, US Military, and Laotians supplied by the United StatesM1903A3 Springfield – Limited numbers were used by the South Vietnamese and USMC.M14 rifle Issued to most troops from the early stages of the war until 1967-68, when it was replaced by the M16.M16, XM16E1, and M16A1 – M16 was issued in 1963, but due to reliability issues, it was replaced by the M16A1 in 1967 which added the forward assist and chrome-lined barrel to the rifle for increased reliability.CAR-15 – Carbine variant of the M16 produced in very limited numbers, fielded by special operations early on. Later supplemented by the improved XM177.XM177 (Colt Commando) – Further development of the CAR-15, used heavily by MACV-SOG, the US Air Force, and US Army.Stoner 63 – used by U.S. Navy SEALs and USMC.Heckler & Koch G3 – Used by Thai forces.Heckler & Koch HK33 – Used by Thai forces that were not armed by the United States. It was chambered for the same cartridge as the M16 assault rifle used by American troops.T223 – which is a copy of the Heckler & Koch HK33 Assault Rifle under license by Harrington & Richardson used in small numbers by Navy SEAL teams. Even though the empty H&R T223 was 0.9 pounds (0.41 kg) heavier than an empty M16A1, the weapon had a forty-round magazine available for it and this made it attractive to the SEALS.De Lisle – Used by ANZAC Forces.Winchester Model 70 – Used by the USMC.M1941 Johnson rifle – Used by the South Vietnamese Forces.MAS-36 – Captured models were used in limited numbers.MAS-49 – Captured models were used in limited numbers.M1917 Enfield – Limited numbers were used by the South Vietnamese.Lee-Enfield – Used by ANZAC Forces.M1C/D Garand – Limited numbers were used by the South Vietnamese.M1903A4 Springfield – Used by the USMC throughout the war, replaced by the M40.M21 Sniper Weapon System – Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) used by the US Army.M40 – Bolt-action sniper rifle meant to replace the M1903 Springfield rifle; used by the U.S. Marines.Ag m/42 – Used by USMC Forces.Thompson submachine gun – Used often by South Vietnamese troops, and in small quantities by U.S. artillery and helicopter units.M3 Grease gun – Standard U.S. Military submachine-gun, also used by the South VietnameseIngram MAC-10 – Used by U.S. special operations forces.Swedish K – Used by Navy SEALs in the beginning of the war, but later replaced by the Smith & Wesson M76 in the late 1960s. Significant numbers were also utilized by the South Vietnamese, and limited numbers were used in Laos by advisors, and Laotian fighters.Smith & Wesson M76 – Copy of the Swedish K, replacing it in 1967.Madsen M-50 – Large numbers utilized by South Vietnamese and U.S. forces, supplied from Denmark.Owen Gun – Standard Australian submachine-gun in the early stages of the war, later replaced by the F1.F1 submachine gun – Replaced the Owen Gun in Australian service.Sterling submachine gun – Used by Australian SASR and other special operations units.Sten submachine gun – Used by U.S. special operations forces, often with a suppressor mounted.Uzi – Used by special operations forces, supplied from Israel.Beretta M12 – Limited numbers were used by US embassy security units.MAT-49 submachine gun – Captured models were used in limited numbers M50/55 Reising – Limited numbers were used by MACV-SOG and other irregular forces.M2 Hyde – Used by the South Vietnamese.United Defense M42 – Used by the South Vietnamese.MAS-38 – Captured models were used in limited numbers.Lanchester – Used by the ANZAC Forces.Austen – Used by the ANZAC Forces.A180 – Used by the South Vietnamese Forces.Vigneron M2 - Used by the South Korea Army.The shotguns were used as an individual weapon during jungle patrol; infantry units were authorized a shotgun by TO & E (Table of Organization & Equipment). Shotguns were not general issue to all infantrymen, but were select issue, such as one per squad, etc.
Winchester Model 1912 – Pump-action shotgun was used by the Marines during the early stages of the warIthaca 37 – Pump-action shotgun Used by NAVY SEALs.Remington 7188 – Experimental select fire shotgun, withdrawn due to lack of reliabilityRemington Model 870 – Pump-action shotgun primary shotgun used by Marines after 1966Special Operations Weapon a modification for a Remington 1100 which made it fully automaticRemington 11-48 – Semi-automatic shotgun used by the Marines in small quantitiesWinchester Model 1897 – Used by the Marines during the early stages of the war, but was later replaced by the Remington Model 870Winchester Model 1200 – Pump-action shotgun used by the U.S. ArmyStevens Model 520-30 and Model 620Stevens Model 77E – Pump-action shotgun used by Army and Marine forces in Southeast Asia. Almost 70,000 Model 77Es were procured by the military for use in SE Asia during the 1960sMossberg 500 – Used by the ANZAC ForcesBrowning Auto-5 - Remington M11 Semi-automatic shotgun used by the south vietnamese forcesWinchester Model 21 - Used by the South Vietnamese ForcesRemington 31 - Used by the South Vietnamese ForcesL2A1 AR – Full-automatic capable version of the L1A1 SLR used by ANZAC forces.Stoner M63a Commando & Mark 23 Mod.0 – Used by U.S. Navy SEALs and tested by Force Recon.M60 machine gun – GPMG (General Purpose Machine Gun) Standard General Purpose Machine Gun for the U.S., Australian, New Zealand, and South Vietnamese forces.M1918A2 – Issued to troops during the early stages of the war by the United States. But Many were airdropped into Laos and used by Laotian fighters. Also used by South Vietnamese.M1917 Browning machine gun – .30cal heavy machine gun issued to some machine gunners in the South Vietnamese Army and also in limited use by the U.S. Army.M1919 Browning machine gun – Vehicle and helicopter mounted machine gun. Also fitted to Australian M113 Light Reconnaissance Vehicles. Meanwhile, still of use by many South Vietnamese and Laotion infantry forces.Heckler & Koch HK21 – Used by Thai forces.Colt CMG-2 – Experimental light machine gun deployed by SEAL Team 2 in 1970.Browning M2HB .50cal Heavy Machine Gun Bren 7.7mm Light Machine Gun – Used by ANZAC Forces.Lewis Gun – Used by ANZAC Forces.M1941 Johnson machine gun – Used by South Vietnamese Forces.FM-24/29 – Captured models were used in limited numbers.Vickers – Used by the ANZAC Forces.Charlton Automatic Rifle - Used by the ANZAC Forces.Vickers K – Used by the ANZAC Forces.Madsen machine gun - Used by the South Korea Forces.Grenades and mines
Mark 2 Fragmentation Hand/Rifle GrenadeM61 Fragmentation Hand GrenadeM34 white phosphorus grenade – smoke grenade that uses white phosphorus, which, when in contact with air ignites and creates white smoke. The white phosphorus was also a useful way to dislodge the Viet Cong from tunnels or other enclosed spaces as the burning white phosphorus absorbs oxygen, causing the victims to suffocate or suffer serious burns.M18 grenade Smoke Hand GrenadeClaymore M18A1 – anti-personnel mineM67 grenadeM16 mine – bounding anti-personnel mineMills Bomb"Grenade, Rifle No.68 /AT" HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank) rifle grenadeNo.69 Mk.I Bakelite Concussion Hand GrenadeNo.76, Special Incendiary Phosphorus Hand GrenadeNo.73 Anti-Tank Hand Grenade "Thermos Grenade"Grenade, Hand, No.74 ST "Sticky Bomb"No.75 Anti-Tank Hand Grenade "Hawkins Grenade"/"Hawkins Mine"No.77 White Phosphorus Hand GrenadeGrenade, Hand, No. 82 "Gammon Bomb".M79 Grenade Launcher, primary U.S. grenade launcher of the Vietnam war. it was used by all branches of the US military.
The China Lake Grenade Launcher, pump action weapon, also saw action in the Vietnam War albeit in very small numbers.
XM148 Experimental underbarreled 40mm grenade launcher, used by Navy SEALs and Australian SAS. Withdrawn due to safety reasons.
M203 grenade launcher, single-shot 40mm underslung grenade launcher designed to attach to a M16 rifle. First tested in combat April 1969.
M7 grenade launcher, rifle grenade launcher used with the M1 Garand, used by the South Vietnamese soldiers.
M1A1 flamethrowerM2 flamethrowerM9 flamethrowerLifebuoyM18 recoilless rifle 57 mmM20 recoilless rifle 75 mmM67 recoilless rifle Anti-Tank 90 mmM40 recoilless rifle 106 mmM19 Mortar 60 mmM29 Mortar 81 mm4.2 inch mortar 107 mm commonly referred to as the "four deuce"M72 LAW – Light Anti-Tank WeaponM31 HEAT Rifle Grenade – Used primarily by the U.S. Army before the introduction of the M72 LAW. Fired from the M1 Garand and M14 Rifle.M20 Super Bazooka – Used mainly by U.S. Marine Corps before the introduction of the M72 LAWFIM-43 Redeye MANPADS (Man-Portable Air-Defence System) – Shoulder-fired heat-seeking anti-air missile, used by the U.S. Army and U.S. Marines.Rocket Launcher M1/M1A1/M9 (Bazooka) – Used by the South Vietnamese Force.Blacker Bombard – Spigot mortar firing round. Issued for home defence onlyRifle, Anti-Tank, .55in, Boys "Boys Anti-Tank Rifle" – Infantry anti-tank weapon.Projector, Infantry, Anti-Tank (PIAT) – Infantry anti-tank weapon.AN-PVS2 Starlight ScopeColt ScopeSingle PointAN/PAS-4105 mm Howitzer M2A1105 mm Howitzer M102155 mm Howitzer M114M53 Self-propelled 155mm gunM55 Self-propelled 8-inch howitzerM107 Self-propelled 175mm gunM108 Self-propelled 105 mm howitzerM109 Self-propelled 155 mm howitzerM110 Self-propelled 8-inch howitzer75mm Pack Howitzer M1L5 pack howitzer 105 mm pack howitzer used by AustraliaMIM-23 HawkBeehive anti-personnel roundsWhite phosphorus (marking round) "Willie Pete"HE, general-purpose (High Explosive)Canister(listed alphabetically by modified/basic mission code, then numerically in ascending order by design number/series letter)
A-1 Skyraider ground attack aircraftA-3 Skywarrior carrier based bomberA-4 Skyhawk carrier borne strike aircraftA-6 Intruder carrier borne all weather strike aircraftA-7 Corsair II carrier borne strike aircraftA-26 Invader light bomberA-37 Dragonfly ground attack aircraftAC-47 Spooky gunshipAC-119G "Shadow" gunshipAC-119K "Stinger" gunshipAC-130 "Spectre" gunshipB-52 Stratofortress heavy bomberB-57 Canberra medium bomberB-66 Destroyer medium bomberCanberra B.20 Royal Australian Air Force medium bomberC-1 Trader cargo/transport aircraftC-2 Greyhound cargo/transport aircraftC-5 Galaxy strategic lift cargo aircraftC-7 Caribou tactical cargo aircraft, used by the U.S. Air Force and the Royal Australian Air ForceC-47 cargo/transport aircraftC-97 Stratofreighter cargo/transport aircraftC-119 Boxcar cargo/transport aircraftC-123 Provider cargo/transport aircraftC-124 Globemaster II cargo/transport aircraftC-130 Hercules cargo/transport planeC-133 Cargomaster cargo/transport aircraftC-141 Starlifter strategic cargo aircraftE-1 Tracer carrier-based airborne early warning (AEW) aircraftE-2 Hawkeye carrier-based airborne early warning (AEW) aircraftEA-3 Skywarrior carrier-based tactical electronic reconnaissance aircraftEA-6B Prowler carrier-based electronic warfare & attack aircraftEB-57 Canberra tactical electronic reconnaissance aircraftEB-66 tactical electronic reconnaissance aircraftEC-121 reconnaissance aircraftEF-10 Skyknight tactical electronic warfare aircraftEKA-3B Skywarrior carrier-based tactical electronic warfare aircraftF-4 Phantom II carrier and land based fighter-bomberF-5 Freedom Fighter light-weight fighter used in strike aircraft roleF-8 Crusader carrier and land based fighter-bomberF-9 Cougar fighterF-86 Sabre fighter jet used by the Royal Australian Air ForceF-100 Super Sabre fighter-bomberF-102 Delta Dagger fighterF-104 Starfighter fighterF-105 Thunderchief fighter-bomberF-111 Aardvark medium bomberHU-16 Albatross rescue amphibianKA-3 Skywarrior carrier-based tactical aerial refueler aircraftKA-6 Intruder carrier-based tactical aerial refueler aircraftKB-50 Superfortress aerial refueling aircraftKC-130F Hercules tactical aerial refueler/assault transport aircraftKC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraftO-1 Bird Dog, light observation airplaneO-2 Skymaster, observation aircraftOV-1 Mohawk battlefield surveillance and light strike aircraftOV-10 Bronco, light attack/observation aircraftP-2 Neptune maritime patrol aircraftP-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraftQU-22 Pave Eagle (Beech Bonanza) electronic monitoring signal relay aircraftRA-3B Skywarrior carrier-based tactical photographic reconnaissance aircraftRA-5C Vigilante carrier-based tactical photographic reconnaissance aircraftRB-47 Stratojet tactical photographic reconnaissance aircraftRB-57 Canberra tactical photographic reconnaissance aircraftRB-66 tactical photographic reconnaissance aircraftRF-4 Phantom II carrier and land-based tactical photographic reconnaissance aircraftRF-8 Crusader carrier-based tactical photographic reconnaissance aircraftRF-101 Voodoo tactical photographic reconnaissance aircraftS-2 Tracker carrier-based anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraftSR-71 Blackbird strategic reconnaissance aircraftT-28 Trojan trainer, used as ground attack aircraftU-2 reconnaissance aircraftU-6 Beaver utility aircraftU-10 Helio Courier utility aircraftP-38 Lightning heavy fighterB-26 Marauder medium bomberA-26 Invader ground attack; light bomber(listed numerically in ascending order by design number/series letter, then alphabetically by mission code)
UH-1A/B/C/D/E/F/H/L/M/P Iroquois "Huey", utility transport and gunship helicopterAH-1G HueyCobra attack helicopterAH-1J SeaCobra twin-engine attack helicopterHH-1K Iroquois search and rescue (SAR) helicopterUH-1N Iroquois twin-engine utility helicopterSH-2 Seasprite carrier-based anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopterUH-2 Seasprite carrier-based utility helicopterCH-3 Sea King long-range transport helicopterHH-3 "Jolly Green Giant" long-range combat search and rescue (CSAR) helicopterSH-3 Sea King carrier-based anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopterUH-3 Sea King carrier-based utility helicopterOH-6A Cayuse "Loach" (from LOH - Light Observation Helicopter), light transport/observation (i.e., scout) helicopterOH-13 Sioux light observation helicopterUH-19 Chickasaw utility transport helicopterCH-21 Shawnee cargo/transport helicopterOH-23 Raven light utility helicopterCH-34 Choctaw cargo/transport helicopterCH-37 Mojave cargo/transport helicopterHH-43 Huskie firefighting/rescue helicopterCH-46 Sea Knight cargo/transport helicopterCH-47 Chinook cargo/transport helicopterCH-53 Sea Stallion heavy-lift transport helicopterHH-53 "Super Jolly Green Giant" long-range combat search and rescue (CSAR) helicopterMH-53 Pave Low special operations missions helicopter.CH-54 Tarhe "Sky Crane", heavy lift helicopterOH-58A Kiowa light transport/observation (i.e., scout) helicopterGBUsCBUsBLU-82 Daisy cutterNapalmBomb, 250 lb, 500 lb, 750 lb, 1000 lb, HE (high explosive), general-purposeRocket, aerial, HE (High Explosive), 2.75 inchM61 Vulcan, 20 mm (aircraft mount)M39 cannon, 20 mm (aircraft mount)AN/M3 cannon 20 mm (aircraft mount)Minigun, 7.62 mm (aircraft and helicopter mount)M197 Gatling gun, 20 mmM60 machine gun, 7.62mm (helicopter mount)AIM-4 FalconAIM-7 SparrowAIM-9 SidewinderAGM-12 BullpupAGM-62 WalleyeAGM-45 ShrikeAGM-78 Standard ARMAgent Orange – While not developed to be used as a weapon against infantry, it was later revealed that it had the potential to cause cancer and other diseases in those who came in contact with it.NapalmM38A1 1/4 ton jeepM151 1/4 ton jeepDodge M37, 3/4 ton truckKaiser-Jeep M715 1¼ ton truckTruck, cargo/troops, 2½ ton (deuce and a half)Truck, cargo/troops, 5 tonM520 Goer Truck, Cargo, 8-ton, 4×4Land Rover short and long wheelbase – Australian and New Zealand forces.M135 troop/Cargo trucks, 2 1/2 tonM211 Cargo/troop truck, 2 1/2 tonM24 Chaffee – Light tank; main ARVN tank early in the war, used at least as late as the Tet Offensive.M41 Walker Bulldog – Light tank, replaced the M24 Chaffee as the main ARVN tank in 1964-1965.M48 Patton medium tank – Main tank of the U.S. Army and Marines throughout the war, and also used by ARVN forces late-war.M103 Heavy Tank – Heavy tank used by the U.S. Army and USMC. Deployed in Vietnam but never actually saw combat.M67 "Zippo" – Flamethrower variant of the M48 Patton.M551 Sheridan – Armored Reconnaissance Airborne Assault Vehicle/Light Tank, used by the U.S. Army from 1969.Centurion MK.V Main Battle Tank – Used by the Australian Army.M2 Light tank – Used by the South Vietnamese Army.M3 Stuart – Used by the South Vietnamese Forces.M5 Stuart – Used by the South Vietnamese Forces.M113 APC (Armored Personnel Carrier)M113 ACAV Armored Cavalry Assault VehicleM163 Vulcan Self-propelled anti-aircraft tankM3 Half-track Used by South Vietnamese forces early in the war.M728 Combat Engineer Vehicle Modified M60 Patton tank equipped with dozer blade, short-barreled 165mm M135 Demolition Gun, and A-Frame crane.M60 AVLB Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge. M60 Patton chassis.M88 Recovery Vehicle Armored Recovery Vehicle. M48 and M60 chassis based.M8 Greyhound Used by ARVN forces early in the war.LVTP5 (aka AMTRACs) Amphibious tractors / landing craft used by US Marine CorpsM50 Ontos Self-propelled 106 mm recoilless rifle carrier used by the USMC until 1969. Some were later transferred to ARVN forces.Cadillac Gage V-100 CommandoMark I PBRs (Patrol Boat River)LARC-LXBARCM114 Reconnaissance vehicleM42 Duster (M41 light tank based hull, with a twin 40 mm antiaircraft gun mounted on an open turret)LCVP Landing craft vehicle personalLCM Landing craft mecanisedM56 ScorpionM2 Half Track CarM5 Half-trackM9 Half-trackM59 (APC)M75 (APC)M114/A1Often, non-combat logistical vehicles were armored and adopted to carry several machine guns to be used for convoy escort duties
Gun trucks, 2½ and 5 ton cargo trucks with quad .50 cal machine guns mounted in the backM3 halftracks with quad .50 cal machine guns in the backM151A1C with M40 recoilless rifle 106 mmJeeps with mounted M60 machine gunsLand Rovers with single and twin M60 machine guns mounted used by Australian and NZ forcesTango, LCM Monitor, heavily gunned riverine craftSwift Boat, (PCF) Patrol Craft FastASPB, Assault Support Patrol Boat, (known as Alpha boats)PBR (Patrol Boat River) – All-fiberglass boats propelled by twin water jets, used by the US NavyUSS George Clymer (APA-27). Troop transport.The geographically dispersed nature of the war challenged existing military communications. From 1965 to the final redeployment of tactical units, numerous communications-electronics systems were introduced in Vietnam to upgrade the quality and quantity of tactical communications and replace obsolete gear:
The AN/PRT-4 and PRR-9 squad radios replaced the AN/PRC-6.The AN/PRC-25 and 77 short-range FM radios replaced the AN/PRC-8-10.The AN/VRC-12 series FM radios replaced the RT-66-67-68/GRC (including AN/GRC 3-8, VRC 7-10, VRC 20-22, and VRQ 1-3 sets).The AN/GRC-106 AM radios and teletypewriter replaced the AN/GRC-19.Encryption systems developed by the National Security Agency and used in Vietnam included:
The NESTOR tactical secure voice system, including the TSEC/KY-8, 28 and 38 was used with the PRC-77 and VRC-12The KW-26 protected higher level teletype trafficThe KW-37 protected the U.S. Navy fleet broadcastThe KL-7 provided offline securityA number of paper encryption and authentication products, including one time pads and the KAL-55B Tactical Authentication SystemNVA (North Vietnamese Army) and the Southern communist guerrillas NLF, or Viet Cong as they were commonly referred to during the war, largely used standard Warsaw Pact weapons. Weapons used by the North Vietnamese also included Chinese Communist variants, which were referred to as CHICOM's by the US military. Captured weapons were also widely used; almost every small arm used by SEATO may have seen limited enemy use. During the early '50, US material captured in Korea was also sent to the Vietminh.
SA-2 Soviet high-altitude air defence systemZPU-4 quad 14.5 mm anti-aircraft machine gunZU-23 twin 23 mm anti-aircraft cannonM1939 37 mm anti-aircraft gunS-60 57 mm anti-aircraft gun85 mm air defense gun M1939 (52-K)100 mm air defense gun KS-1982 mm, 107 mm, 120 mm, and 160mm mortars122 mm Katyusha rocketsType 63 multiple rocket launcherBM-8/BM-13/BM-31BM-21 GradBM-25 (MRL) limited numbers122 mm gun M1931/37 (A-19)122 mm howitzer M1938 (M-30)D-74 122 mm Field Gun130 mm towed field gun M1954 (M-46)152 mm howitzer M1943 (D-1)152 mm towed gun-howitzer M1955 (D-20)MiG-21 jet fighterMiG-19 jet fighter, used in limited numbersMiG-17 jet fighterMiG-15 jet fighter, used in limited numbersShenyang J-6 jet fighterShenyang J-5 jet fighterIlyushin Il-2 ground-attack aircraftIlyushin Il-4 bomber, torpedo-bomberIlyushin Il-10 Shturmovik ground attack aircraftAn-2 aircraftMil Mi-1 Light multi purpose helicopter. NATO reporting name Hare.Mil Mi-2 Light multi purpose helicopter. NATO reporting Name Hoplite.Mil Mi-4 Transport and submarine-hunting-helicopter. NATO reporting name Hound.Mil Mi-8 Multi-purpose helicopter. NATO reporting name Hip.K-13 (missile)Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23Nudelman-Rikhter NR-30Nudelman N-37Nudelman-Rikhter NR-23Handguns and revolvers
Tokarev TT-33Makarov PMP-64 CZAK handgunNagant M1895 revolverType 14 8 mm Nambu Pistol – Captured from the Japanese during World War IIStechkin automatic pistolWalther P38 – Captured by the Soviets during World War II and provided to the VPA and the NLF as military aidLuger P08 – Captured by the Soviets during World War II and provided to the VPA and the NLF as military aidMauser C96 – Locally produced copies were used alongside Chinese copies and German variants supplied by the SovietsM1935 – Captured from the French in the Indochina War.M1892 – Captured from the French in the Indochina War.Automatic and semi-automatic rifles
AK-47 and AKM – from the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact countriesType 56 assault rifle – from the People's Republic of ChinaType 58 assault rifle – from North KoreaVz. 58 assault rifle – from CzechoslovakiaType 63 assault rifleSturmgewehr 44 assault rifle, captured by the Soviets during World War II and provided to the VPA and the NLF as military aidSVD-63 semi-automatic marksman rifleGewehr 43 semi-automatic rifle – captured by the Soviets during World War II and provided to the VPA and the NLF as military aidGewehr 41 semi-automatic rifle – captured by the Soviets during World War II and provided to the VPA and the NLF as military aidMAS-49 rifle – captured French rifle from first Indochina WarSKS semi-automatic carbineSVT-40 semi-automatic rifleSimonov AVS-36Tokarev SVT-38Federov AvtomatAVT-40AVS-36 (automatic)FG 42 – captured by the Soviets during World War IIZH-29 – used by the Vietcong ForcesMAS-36 rifle – Captured French rifle from first Indochina War, used by NVA in earlier stages of the Vietnam WarMosin–Nagant – Bolt-action rifles and carbines from the Soviet Union, Warsaw Pact countries, and the People's Republic of ChinaMauser Kar98k – Bolt-action rifle (many of the Mausers used by the VPA and the NLF were from rifles captured from the French during the First Indochina War and rifles provided to them by the Soviets as military aid)Type 38 Rifle – Captured from the Japanese during World War IIType 99 Rifle – Captured from the Japanese during World War IIType 2 TERA Rifle – Captured from the Japanese during World War IIvz. 24 – Used by the Vietcong Forces.K-50M submachine gun (Vietnamese edition, based on Chinese version of Russian PPSh-41, under licence)PPS-43 submachine gunPPSh-41 submachine gun (both Soviet and Chinese versions)PPD-34/38 submachine gunPPD-40 submachine gunMP-38/MP-40 – (captured by the Soviets during World War II)Škorpion vz. 61 submachine gunMAT-49 submachine gun – Captured during the French-Indochina War. Many were converted from 9x19mm to 7.62x25 TokarevMAS-38 submachine gun – Captured from the French in the Indochina War.PM-63 submachine gunType 100 submachine gun – Captured in very limited amounts from the Japanese during World War II.MP 41 submachine gun – (captured by the Soviets during World War II)MP 3008 submachine gun - (captured by the Soviets during World War II)Type 2 - Captured in very limited amounts from the Japanese during World War II.vz.48 - Used by the North Vietnamese Forces.ZK-383 - Used by the Vietcong Forces.Type 99 LMGRPD light machine gunRPK light machine gunPK light machine gunDegtyarev DP light machine gunSG-43/SGM medium machine guns including Communist Chinese copies of these gunsMG-34 light machine gun captured by the Soviets during World War II and provided to the VPA and the NLF as military aidMG-42 medium machine gun captured by the Soviets during World War II and provided to the VPA and the NLF as military aidZB vz. 26 light machine gunUk vz. 59 general-purpose machine gunZB-53 machine gun from CzechoslovakiaDShK heavy machine gunPM M1910 heavy machine gunFM-24/29 captured from the French in the Indochina WarDS-39 - used by the Vietcong ForcesMG 08 - used by the Vietcong ForcesType 11 - captured from the Japanese during World War IIType 92 - captured from the Japanese during World War IIType 96 - captured from the Japanese during World War IIZB vz.30 light machine gunZB vz.50 heavy machine gunZB vz.60 heavy machine gunBaikal IZH-43 Double-barreled shotgunGrenades and other explosives
F1 grenadeType 67 ChiCom Stick GrenadeRG-42 grenadeRGD-5 grenade9K32 Strela-2 anti-aircraft weaponRPG-2 anti-tank weapon (both Soviet and locally produced B-40 and B-50 variants used)RPG-7 anti-tank weaponType 69 RPG anti-tank weaponSPG-9 73 mm recoilless rifleB-10 recoilless rifleB-11 recoilless rifleM-24 Stick GrenadeM-43 Stick GrenadeRGD-33 With handle grenadesMolotov cocktailModel 1914 grenadeRG-41RG-42 Fragmentation Hand GrenadeRPG-40 Anti-Tank Hand GrenadeRPG-41 Anti-Tank Hand GrenadeRPG-43 HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank) Hand GrenadeRPG-6Dyakonoff grenade throwerPanzerfaust Disposable single-shot rocket launcher.Panzerschreck Enlarged version of American M1A1 Bazooka.PTRD Used by the Vietcong Forces.M39 Used by the North Vietnamese Army.LPO-50 Flamethrower (limited use)ROKS flamethrowers (limited use)Flammenwerfer 35Type 93 and Type 100 flamethrowersT-54/55 main battle tanksT-34-85 medium tank, used in limited numbersType 59 main battle tanksType 62 light tankType 63 amphibious tankPT-76 amphibious tankType 63 anti-aircraft self-propelled systemsZSU-57-2 anti-aircraft self-propelled systemsZSU-23-4 anti-aircraft self-propelled systemsIS-2/3/10 Heavy tank supplied by the USSR and was used in limited numbers by the NVA. Used up to the early 1960s.SU-100 self-propelled guns in limited numbers.T-37 tank (amphibious)T-38 tank (amphibious)T-40 tankT-50 tankT-60 tankT-70 tankBT-2 TankBT-5BT-7T-34 (Chinese type 58, a copy)T-44BA-64BTR-40 APCBTR-60 APCBTR-152 APCBRDM-1BRDM-2Type 63 APCGAZ-69GAZ-67GAZ-64Ural-375GAZ-AAGAZ-MMDnepr M-72PMZ-A-750S-60Arisaka bolt-action riflesM1 Garand rifle, semi-automatic rifleM1 carbine, semi-automatic rifleSpringfield M1903 bolt-action riflesMAS-36 bolt-action riflesMAS-49 semi-automatic riflesMAT-49 submachine gun and local variantsMP 40 submachine gunPPSh-41 submachine gunPPS-43 submachine gun and local variantsSwedish K submachine gunsMosin–Nagant bolt-action rifles and carbinesMauser Karabiner 98k bolt-action riflesType 99 light machine gun Used occasionally by the Viet CongNambu semi-automatic pistolColt M1911A1 Semi-Automatic PistolM72 LAWHand combat weapons
M1 Bayonet U.S. and ARVN Used on M1 Garand.M4 bayonet U.S. and ARVN Used on M1, M2 Carbine.M5 bayonet U.S. and ARVN Used on M1 Garand.M6 bayonet U.S. Used on M14.M7 Bayonet U.S. and ARVN with the M16Ka-Bar Utility/fighting Knife U.S. Navy & Marine CorpsGerber Mark II U.S. Armed ForcesOther types of knives, bayonets, and bladesA wide variety of anti-personnel ordnance and booby traps were used in the Vietnam war, including punji stakes.
M14 Mine Used by U.S. Forces until 1973MBV-78A1 Vietnamese variant of Russian POMZ AP mineType 58 & Type 59 Chinese copy of Russian POMZ-2 and POMZ-2M AP minesOZM Series of Russian bounding minesThe Viet Cong were not always able to be supplied by the NVA. They sometimes took weapons from US soldiers after an attack or raided US or South Vietnamese weapon stockpiles. This increased the number of weapons available and gave balance against the US arsenal.
