Vietnam Builds Its Largest Domestic Warship

Vietnam has begun construction of its largest and most advanced domestically built vessel of its type. The ship is being built at the Ministry of Defense’s Song Thu Shipyard in Da Nang. Most of its weapons and military equipment are expected to be developed or assembled domestically.

The project comes as Vietnam seeks to expand its defense industry and reduce its dependence on imported military equipment, particularly from Russia.

The country has also long been involved in maritime disputes with China and other nations in the South China Sea.

Military telecommunications and technology group Viettel will work with other research and manufacturing organizations, the navy and the shipyard on the project. They are also expected to participate in developing and installing the vessel’s weapons and equipment.

The Vietnamese Navy has undergone significant modernization in recent decades. It has acquired Russian-made Kilo-class submarines and Gepard-class frigates while expanding its fleet of domestically produced missile and patrol vessels.

Hanoi will host its third international defense technology fair in December.

(Reuters, bak)