February 28, 2012: Vietnam has obtained a license to build the Russian Kh-35 anti-ship missile. This weapon is similar to the American Harpoon but lighter (610 kg/1,340 pounds, compared to 728 kg/1,600) and has less range (130 kilometers compared to 224 for the latest version of Harpoon). The Kh-35 (also known as the SS-N-25 or Switchblade) can be fired from helicopters, aircraft, ships, or shore batteries. Vietnam apparently plans to build large quantities of the Kh-35 to provide better defense against the growing Chinese fleet.