The STV program was initiated to design the next generation mainline service rifles for the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) as well as the whole Vietnam People's Armed Forces, using the technologies and experiences acquired from the IWI Galil ACE licensed production.

[5] The factory immediately began modifying the IWI Galil ACE to better suit the local terrain and climate, while also implementing more Kalashnikov parts.

This was done to improve familiarity and smoothen the transition from older AK-47 and AKM assault rifles, which were used by Vietnamese soldiers.

[15] All STV variants are generally similar and are mainly built off of the IWI Galil ACE's milled receiver.

[17] The rifles all have the charging handle located on the right side, which is the same for all IWI Galil ACEs manufactured in Vietnam.

The STV-215 and STV-380 have an additional Picatinny rail located on the bottom of the handguard, commonly used for a foregrip/bipod, laser, or flashlight attachment.

These two variants also share the front-sight and gas block similar to the ones found on the IWI Galil ACE.

These are variants that are chosen to be pressed into service and becoming the next-generation standard-issued rifles of many Vietnamese security forces and currently in large-scale serial production at Z111 Factory.

Since they reportedly participate in active service, they are casually improved and updated corresponding to the experiences and feedback from the operators.

Externally, they look visually comparable to the legacy IMI Galil with rectangular handguard, FN FAL Para-style folding stock and Kalashnikov-style charging handle, however the STV series feature most of mechanical modernization and advantages of the IWI ACE.

The STV-380 was selected as the primary infantry weapons and service rifle for the Vietnam People's Army, partially replacing and succeeding the legacy Kalashnikov.

A version of STV-215 with a longer barrel (270 mm) to reduce the muzzle flash by burning all the excess gun powder.

[3] Classified as a submachine gun,[21] it was initially developed from the request of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army Guard Brigade 144 for a compact, close-ranged but powerful firearm for bodyguard and close protection purposes.

However, they are never chosen as the service rifle by any Vietnamese security forces, due to the proven superiority and suitability of the STV-380 and its derivatives.