Army replaces STV submachine gun

STV stands for "Vietnamese submachine gun", an assault submachine gun designed by the Institute of Weapons and produced by the Z111 factory (with the General Department of Defense Industry). Since 2022, the STV gun has begun to be equipped in a number of units of the Vietnam People's Army, gradually replacing the traditional AK submachine gun, which has been used for decades in Vietnam.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh listens to the introduction of new infantry weapons at the 2022 International Defense Exhibition

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

Female peacekeeping soldier, carrying STV-215 gun at the 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu victory, May 7, 2024

The STV rifles all have a cocking lever on the right side and a traditional AK-style fire selector mechanism. The pistol grip and handguard are made of polymer and all STV models have a lightweight, convenient folding stock.

Troops of Division 9, Corps 34 practice disassembling and assembling STV-380 gun

In addition, STV (except STV-416 model) all have a standard picatinny rail mounted on the top of the gun body, to attach other devices (telescope, red dot sight, 3D sight...). The rear sight is located at the back of the gun body (original AK, the rear sight is located in the middle of the gun body).

Troops use STV-215 in drills

On the STV-215 and STV-380, there is an additional picatinny rail located at the bottom of the handguard, to attach a grenade launcher like the M203 or SPL-40 (made in Vietnam) or a front bipod, laser pointer, flashlight...

From 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.

Marine Brigade 101 (Naval Region 4) using STV-380 with SPL-40 grenade launcher

From 2022, STV215/380 will be officially equipped for the first time at Division 10, Corps 3 (now Corps 34), following the model of strong divisional organization, synchronous equipment. After that, it will be gradually equipped to units in Corps 12, infantry divisions of military regions and some border guard units.

Troops of Brigade 573 (Military Region 5) use STV-022 guns

With the STV-022 version, it is widely equipped for the guards of some military region, army corps, military branches and border guards. It is even equipped in some local units. The STV-022 is similar to the STV-215, but the stock is removed to make the gun more compact.

STV-022 gun is equipped for Quang Tri Provincial Military Command

The STV gun was designed by the Institute of Weapons (General Department of Defense Industry). Factory Z111 (General Department of Defense Industry) has produced versions (STV-022, STV-215, STV-270, STV-380, STV-406, STV-410, STV-416...), but currently focuses on 3 types (STV-022, STV-215 and STV-380) to equip units in the Vietnam People's Army, according to orders from the Ministry of Defense.

Some pictures of STV guns, used in units of the Vietnam People's Army

STV 380 (folded stock) with SPL-40 grenade launcher carried by army soldiers during the parade, during the 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu victory, May 2024

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

Chief of Naval Region 4 inspects troops of Marine Brigade 101 using STV-380 gun

STV-380 gun is equipped for the marine force.

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

Troops of Division 9, Corps 34 use STV-380 guns

STV-215 for army reconnaissance

Combined arms exercise with infantry carrying STV-215 rifles

Mechanized infantry soldier carrying STV-215

The STV-215 is equipped with most reconnaissance forces.

STV-215 is used conveniently and effectively by soldiers in combat.

STV live fire in combined arms exercise

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