A recent article in the Vietnamese online journal Nguyen Tan Dung discusses the latest updates of a remotely controlled 12.7x108mm DShK heavy machine gun that could see potential use among soldiers of the Vietnamese Peoples Army. The contraption was aired on the Vietnamese MoD’s public television channel back in January, however, it appears that further design and development work has been completed on not only a remotely controlled DShK variant but also an SA-16 MANPAD (Man Portable Air Defense System), and although not mentioned, there also appears to be a 37mm or similar caliber variant capable of a high rate of fire. Interestingly, the article explicitly states the development of remotely controlled weapon stations in Syria as one of the operational requirements for this, the Vietnamese Army understanding the need to be watching what other belligerents are arming themselves with around the world.

From the Google Translated article-

This self-propelled robot is made possible by the application of new scientific and technological achievements in the world with the integration of on-board weapons.

The robot is controlled via a computer and is capable of transmitting data to the command center via an electronic photo-camera.

Product design consists of two main parts are command center and robot self-propelled device. In which the command center is the place to store maps, receive observation information and command commands to attached devices, the self-propelled device can run on the predefined route according to the digital map.

In addition, the network communication system of the robot is secured by encryption algorithms are very safe.

The first multi-purpose combat robot designed by Viet Nam itself is equipped with a Uzi submachine gun with silencer, which can play a role in counterterrorism and child rescue. credit.

The video shows the DShK in a ground role, but photographs in the later article reveal that a tracked chassis has been incorporated into the design, allowing for users to control the device from afar, most likely by using radio signals. The DShK variant appears to have the ability to manipulate the bolt via hydraulics so that an operator can clear jams or malfunctions. The computer screen also appears to show such metrics as the temperature of the machine gun, or the amount of ammunition fired/left over.

Can a TFB reader speaking Vietnamese give us a little more information about these developments? Google Translate can only get us so far in learning about the devices, and there isn’t a voice translate option on Youtube.