Vietnam signs deal for Israel-made Firefly loitering munition

Vietnam’s Ministry of Defense has reportedly signed an agreement with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to equip the Vietnamese army with the “Maoz” drone, known as the Spike Firefly loitering munition, in a deal valued at approximately $250 million.

According to a report by Intelligence Online, the agreement includes the establishment of a production facility in Vietnam dedicated to manufacturing the Maoz/Firefly system. The facility will operate under a license issued by Rafael, with technical know-how transferred from Israel. Production will be carried out by a local Vietnamese company designated to run the plant.

The system selected by Vietnam is the Maoz drone, which Rafael markets internationally as the Spike Firefly. It is not a guided missile but a loitering munition designed to function as an expendable, operator-controlled strike drone. The system is launched from a portable canister, loiters over a target area, and detonates on command once the operator confirms the target.

The Spike Firefly, also known as L-Spike 1x, is designed for use by ground forces, particularly in urban and complex environments. The loitering munition provides real-time video to the operator, allowing target verification before detonation and enabling mission abort if required. This design allows controlled engagement rather than immediate impact after launch.

According to published technical data from Rafael, the Spike Firefly has an operational range of up to 5 kilometers, depending on the mission profile. The system is electrically powered and optimized for short-duration loitering missions that support infantry, special units, and light forces operating close to the front line.

The Maoz has already been used operationally by the Israel Defense Forces. Israeli forces employed the loitering munition during fighting in Gaza following the October 7 war.

Rafael reports that systems from the broader Spike family, which includes guided anti-tank missiles and loitering munitions, have been sold to 42 armies worldwide. Within that portfolio, the Maoz/Spike Firefly occupies a distinct role as a suicide drone that combines reconnaissance, target selection, and precision strike in a single expendable platform.

The deal reflects ongoing defense cooperation between Israel and Vietnam, which has expanded steadily in recent years. Vietnam has sought advanced strike, surveillance, and intelligence systems while also prioritizing domestic production and technology transfer as part of its defense procurement policy.