Vietnam has begun construction of what its government describes as the country’s largest and most advanced domestically made anti-submarine frigate. Work on the multipurpose warship began at the Defence Ministry’s Song Thu Shipyard in Da Nang on August 10.
The vessel is being built by Song Thu Corporation under Vietnam’s General Department of Defence Industry, with the Vietnam People’s Navy serving as the project owner. Vietnamese state media said the ship will be equipped primarily with weapons and systems developed or assembled within the country.
Military-run technology group Viettel and other defence research and manufacturing units are expected to work with the navy and Song Thu Corporation during construction. Their role includes developing and installing weapons and other equipment on the frigate.
The project is part of Vietnam’s effort to expand domestic defence production and reduce its reliance on imported military equipment, much of which has historically come from Russia. The country has acquired Russian-built Kilo-class submarines and Gepard-class frigates while also developing its own missile boats and patrol vessels.
Vietnam’s government has described the project as part of its policy of developing an autonomous, self-reliant and modern defence industry. The navy is also overseeing the vessel’s construction, testing and eventual handover.
The new frigate is expected to become the largest surface combatant built domestically by Vietnam once completed. The country is also scheduled to host its third International Defence Expo in Hanoi in December, as it seeks to expand domestic defence production.
