Vietnam has begun construction on its most advanced domestically designed anti-submarine frigate to build a sovereign defense industry.
Vietnam has begun construction on its largest and most advanced domestically designed anti-submarine frigate, marking a key milestone in Hanoi’s push to build a sovereign defense industry and reduce its historical dependence on Russian military imports.
Development officially commenced with a steel-cutting ceremony at government shipyard Song Thu Corporation’s facility in Da Nang.
Assembly of the multipurpose vessel is expected to take 36 months to complete, with state defense firm Viettel Group alongside state military factories supplying most of the warship’s weapons, components, and battle management capabilities.
The surface combatant will incorporate an active electronically scanned array radar, air defense and anti-ship missiles, torpedo launchers, and a flight deck for a maritime helicopter.
Throughout the program, the Vietnam People's Navy will act as the primary project owner overseeing system integration, testing, and handover of the platform.
"Becoming a strong maritime nation requires a capable navy commensurate with the country's stature, one strong enough to safeguard national sovereignty over its seas and islands and protect national interests at sea," said Senior Lt. Gen. Pham Hoai Nam, deputy minister of national defense for Vietnam.
The project aligns with a late July resolution from Vietnam’s Communist Party to expand maritime capabilities in response to its ongoing territorial disputes with Beijing in the South China Sea.
