The army is replacing its STV submachine guns.

STV stands for "Vietnamese Submachine Gun," a line of assault submachine guns designed by the Weapons Design Institute and the Z111 factory (under the General Department of Defense Industry). Since 2022, STV submachine guns have begun to be deployed in some units of the Vietnam People's Army, gradually replacing the traditional AK submachine gun, which has been used in Vietnam for several decades.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh listens to a presentation about new infantry weapons at the 2022 International Defence Exhibition.

The most common characteristic of the STV is that it uses 7.62 × 39 mm ammunition and can use any standard AK-47/AKM magazine...

Female soldiers of the peacekeeping force, carrying STV-215 rifles, during the 70th anniversary celebration of the Dien Bien Phu victory, May 7, 2024.

All STV rifle models feature a charging handle located on the right side and a firing selector mechanism similar to the traditional AK. The grip and handguard are made of polymer, and all STV models have a lightweight, convenient folding stock.

Soldiers of the 9th Division, 34th Corps, practice disassembling and assembling the STV-380 rifle.

In addition, all STVs (except the STV-416 model) have a standard Picatinny rail mounted on top of the receiver for attaching other equipment (long-range sights, red dot sights, 3D sights, etc.). The rear sight is located at the very rear of the receiver (on the original AK, the rear sight was located in the middle of the receiver).

Soldiers use the STV-215 during training exercises.

On the STV-215 and STV-380, an additional Picatinny rail is installed at the bottom of the handguard, for attaching grenade launchers such as the M203 or SPL-40 (manufactured in Vietnam), or forging bipods, laser sights, flashlights, etc.

Since 2021, the STV-215 and STV-380 submachine guns have been approved as standard submachine guns issued to the Vietnam People's Army under the army modernization program at the division level, following the strong division model.

Soldiers of the 101st Marine Brigade (4th Naval Region) use the STV-380 equipped with an SPL-40 grenade launcher.

Since 2022, the STV215/380 was first officially deployed to the 10th Division, 3rd Corps (now the 34th Corps), following the model of a strong, uniformly equipped division. Subsequently, it was gradually supplied to units in the 12th Corps, infantry divisions in various military regions, and some border guard units.

Soldiers of Brigade 573 (Military Region 5) using STV-022 rifles.

The STV-022 version is widely issued to the guard forces of several military district, corps, and branch units, as well as border guards. It is even issued to some local units. The STV-022 is similar to the STV-215, but the stock is removed to make the rifle more compact and lightweight.

The STV-022 rifle is issued to the Quang Tri Provincial Military Command.

The STV rifle was designed by the Weapons Institute (General Department of Defense Industry). Factory Z111 (General Department of Defense Industry) has produced various versions (STV-022, STV-215, STV-270, STV-380, STV-406, STV-410, STV-416...), but currently focuses on three types (STV-022, STV-215, and STV-380) to equip units in the Vietnam People's Army, as ordered by the Ministry of Defense.

Some images of the STV rifle, used in units of the Vietnam People's Army.

The STV 380 (with folding stock) fitted with an SPL-40 grenade launcher was paraded by army soldiers during the 70th anniversary celebration of the Dien Bien Phu victory in May 2024.

Foreign partners learn about STV products and SPL-40 grenade launchers at the 2022 International Defence Exhibition.

The Commander of the 4th Naval Region inspects the soldiers of the 101st Marine Brigade using the STV-380 rifle.

The STV-380 gun is issued to the Marine Corps.

The STV-022 is equipped for the reconnaissance forces of the 147th Marine Brigade (Naval Region 1).

Soldiers of the 9th Division, 34th Corps, use the STV-380 rifle.

STV-215 is equipped for army reconnaissance.

Combined arms exercise with infantry carrying STV-215 rifles.

Mechanized infantry soldier carrying an STV-215

The STV-215 is equipped for the majority of reconnaissance forces.

The STV-215 is used conveniently and effectively by the troops in combat.

Live firing of STV rounds during combined arms exercise.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/quan-doi-thay-moi-sung-tieu-lien-stv-185241216005339667.htm