Why did the Russians help the Vietcong in the Vietnam war?

Answer 1

The Soviet Union (and Communist China) supplied North Vietnam with patrol boats for the North Vietnamese Navy, Mig-17/Mig-19/Mig-21 jet fighter planes for their air force (North Vietnamese pilots were trained in both the Soviet Union and Communist China), tanks (primarily PT-76 light tanks) and artillery, small arms (SKS and AK-47 assault rifles), grenades, land mines, etc. Surface to Air Missiles (SAM's) along with some Soviet technicians to get the anti-aircraft defense system operational. For further information see: North Vietnamese Mig-17 and Mig-19 units of the Vietnam War, by Ivan Toperczar; Osprey Publishing company.

Answer 2

The Soviet Union (today called Russia) supplied Mig-17 Mig-21 jet fighters to the North Vietnamese Air Force. Red China (today called China) supplied the Mig-19 (J-6 Chinese version) to the North Vietnamese Air Force. The Soviet Union supplied Surface to Air Missiles (SAM's) to North Vietnam, along with other conventional Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AAA units). North Vietnam sent it's pilot trainees to the Soviet Union and Communist China for training to become fighter pilots. N. Viet student pilots learned to speak Russian, so they could communicate with their instructors. Training lasted for 2 or more years. See: MIG-17 and MIG-19 Units of the Vietnam War, By Istvan Toperczer. Tanks, mostly PT-76 light tanks and T-59 versions of the Russian T-54 were supplied as well as general artillery, 122mm rockets, and trucks were supplied. For the infantry, SKS semi-automatic rifles, then later AK-47 assault rifles, RPD drum fed machinguns, RPG's, land mines, and potatoe style handgrenades that we referred to as "Chicoms!" When we saw them in the air flying towards us, that was the word used to alarm the men to take cover.

Answer 3

The USSR supplied MIG-17, MIG-21 jet fighters; SAM's (Surface to Air Missiles); PT-76 Amphibious light tanks, and T-54/T-55 medium tanks; Artillery & Anti-Aircraft Artillery; and ammunition for all of the above. Red China supplied MIG-19 (J-6 versions); tons of trucks; SKS rifles, RPD machine guns, CHICOM stick hand-grenades, AK-47 Assault rifles; mortars; 122mm rockets; and ammo for all of the above. CHICOM stands for Chinese Communists as there were 2 China's back then (Nationalist China a US ally, and Communist China led by Mao). MOST of the equipment we captured was CHICOM, and NOT Soviet-contrary to popular belief. Red Chinese material was just across the border; alot closer to ship into North Vietnam. We ALWAYS referred to captured communist war material as CHICOM; over the radio, in written dispatches, conversations, notes, etc. North Viet Air Force MIG pilots were trained in the USSR and Red China; they began training there in the late 1950's. The training normally lasted about 2 years. Then they returned to North Vietnam. NVAF pilots reportedly preferred to train in Red China, as it was closer to home. For more information, see: "MiG-17 and MiG-19 Units of the Vietnam War" by Istvan Toperczer; 2002, Osprey Publishing. ISBN 1-84176-162-1.

Answer 4

The Soviet Union gave military and economic support to the government of North Vietnam and to the Vietcong because they were also communist, and during the Cold War, they always tried to aid the communists just like the U.S. always tried to destroy the communists.

Answer 5

As a show of Communist Solidarity they provided advisers and weaponry.

Answer 6

They supplied the North Vietnamese with guns, ammo and other military equipment. They also supplied fighting men as advisors and trainers.