Close-up of weapons and equipment of the parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South

Weapons and equipment of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South, photo 1

The STV series of guns (short for Vietnamese submachine guns) designed by the Institute of Weapons and produced by the Z111 factory is a highlight of the forces participating in the parade to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025).

Weapons and equipment of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South, photo 2

The female peacekeepers with their signature blue scarves are equipped with the STV 215. This gun is designed to automatically reload for the next shot, has an effective range of about 250 m, a muzzle velocity of 615 m/s and weighs about 3.7 kg.

Weapons and equipment of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South, photo 3

The STV 215 is highly regarded for its mobility and accuracy. In addition to female peacekeepers, the STV 215 is also equipped for tank and armored personnel carriers.

Weapons and equipment of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South, photo 4

The commando unit is equipped with the STV 022 submachine gun, which has the same operating principle as the STV 215 model but is lighter in weight and shorter in size to suit the combat characteristics of the unit.

Weapons and equipment of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South, picture 5

Close-up of the STV 022 submachine gun in the hands of a commando soldier.

Weapons and equipment of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South, photo 6

The army soldiers are equipped with STV 380 submachine guns with grenade launchers. The soldiers also carry walkie-talkies and bulletproof helmets researched and produced by Vietnam.

Weapons and equipment of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South, picture 7

The STV 380 is 900mm long including the stock and 600m with the stock attached. It uses 7.62mm bullets, weighs 4.1kg with ammunition, has a muzzle velocity of 700 m/s, a range of 300m and can fire 700 - 950 rounds per minute.

Weapons and equipment of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South, picture 8

The Northern female militia participated in the parade, marching with AK-47s. This is the type of gun that was closely associated with the Vietnamese armed forces during the fight to liberate the South and unify the country.

Weapons and equipment of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South, photo 9

The female medical soldiers carry pistols on their hips during parades. Also equipped with pistols are the army and navy officers.

Weapons and equipment of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South, picture 10

The female information officers carry communication devices and bulletproof helmets researched and produced by Vietnam.

Weapons and equipment of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South, photo 11

The female band members are the ones who carry the heaviest equipment when participating in parades and marches. The last row soldier carries a brass trumpet weighing up to 19kg.