Vietnam Begins Construction Of Largest And Most Advanced Domestically Built Anti-Submarine Frigate

Vietnam has started building what it says is its largest and most advanced warship built at home, an anti-submarine frigate that will rely heavily on Vietnamese technology and weapons.

The multi-purpose frigate is being built by Sông Thu Corporation in Da Nang and is expected to be completed within 36 months. It is designed to detect and destroy submarines.

The project is part of Vietnam’s effort to strengthen its domestic defence industry and reduce its dependence on imported military equipment, much of which has traditionally come from Russia.

Vietnam has long been involved in maritime disputes with China and other countries claiming parts of the South China Sea. At the same time, its navy has been undergoing modernisation, including the acquisition of Russian-built Kilo-class submarines and Gepard-class frigates.

New frigate to use Vietnamese weapons and technology

Vietnamese authorities said the ship is being designed and built using technology and expertise developed in the country. They said Vietnam has achieved self-reliance in the ship’s design and construction and has developed most of the weapons and equipment that will be fitted on board.

The frigate will carry an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, air-defence missiles and advanced anti-ship missiles.

The missiles and other systems will be developed by Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group and factories under Vietnam’s General Department of Defence Industry.

Viettel and other defence research and manufacturing organisations will work with the navy and Sông Thu throughout the construction process. Their work will include developing, manufacturing and installing weapons and other technical systems.

A steel-cutting ceremony in Da Nang on Monday marked the formal start of construction. The event was jointly organised by Sông Thu Corporation and the Vietnam People’s Navy.

Senior Lieutenant General Phạm Hoài Nam, Vietnam’s deputy minister of national defence, said the project was an important step for the country’s defence industry and military shipbuilding sector.

He said it would help Vietnam develop key technologies and strengthen its ability to research, design and manufacture weapons and military equipment.

Focus on a stronger maritime capability

Nam also referred to a resolution issued by Vietnam’s 14th Party Central Committee on July 28 on building and developing the country into a strong maritime nation.

He said Vietnam needed a capable navy to protect its sovereignty over its seas and islands and safeguard its national interests at sea.

Vietnam’s government has described its defence industry policy as focused on self-reliance, self-sufficiency, resilience, dual-use capabilities and modernisation.

The country’s navy has already expanded its domestic shipbuilding capabilities, including through the construction of missile boats and patrol vessels.

The new frigate is the latest project in that effort and will be Vietnam’s largest domestically built warship, according to Vietnamese authorities.

Navy to oversee construction

The Vietnam People’s Navy will act as the project owner and oversee the shipbuilding process. Its responsibilities will cover design, manufacturing, system integration, testing, acceptance and handover.

Defence authorities have also been instructed to strengthen inspections and supervision and quickly deal with any problems that could affect construction.

Sông Thu has been told to use available resources, improve production processes, promote technological development and accelerate digital transformation during construction.

The company must also follow technical procedures and safety requirements while ensuring the vessel meets the required technical and aesthetic standards.

Viettel and other organisations involved in developing and installing the ship’s weapons and systems have been asked to keep their work aligned with the shipbuilding schedule.

Vietnam is due to host the third edition of its biennial Vietnam International Defence Expo in Hanoi in December. The country is seeking to increase domestic defence production while diversifying the sources of its military equipment.

References: Vietnam News, Reuters