Vietnam starts building largest homemade anti-submarine warship

Hanoi, Vietnam has commenced construction on its largest and most advanced domestically made anti-submarine frigate, according to a military-owned newspaper. The vessel, currently being assembled at the Song Thu Shipyard in Danang City, will also feature most of its weapons and military equipment similarly developed or assembled within the country, reported Quan Doi Nhan Dan.

This initiative highlights Vietnam's policy of fostering a defence industry that is autonomous, self-reliant, self-strengthening, dual-use, and modern, as stated in a government declaration. Military-run telecommunications and technology conglomerate Viettel, alongside other defence research and manufacturing entities, will collaborate closely with the navy and Song Thu throughout the vessel's construction. This encompasses the development and installation of weapons and equipment.

Vietnam's naval force has undergone extensive modernization in recent years, acquiring Russian-built Kilo-class submarines and Gepard-class frigates, alongside a burgeoning fleet of domestically built missile boats and patrol vessels. The country is scheduled to host the Vietnam International Defence Expo in Hanoi in December, marking its third biennial iteration, as it strives to bolster domestic defence production and expand the variety of military equipment sources.