Vietnam has started construction of the country’s biggest and most sophisticated indigenous-made anti-submarine frigate, as Hanoi strives to boost defense industry capabilities.
The ship’s construction began on 10 August in Song Thu Shipyard, Da Nang, and most of the technologies and skills have been developed in Vietnam. According to the state military media, the majority of the ship’s weaponry and equipment will be made in-house.
The multi-purpose warship is designed to boost the capacity of the Vietnamese Navy in anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance and other naval operations. The project as a part of what has been called the “self-reliant” and “autonomous” Hanoi defence policy, which aims to lessen reliance on foreign suppliers.
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The project follows Vietnam’s efforts to boost its naval strength in the context of a longstanding dispute over the South China Sea with China, in which both countries are claiming territory. Foreign military equipment, especially from the Russians, has traditionally been a major source of supplies for Vietnam, but the country has been increasing its investments in home-made shipbuilding, weapons development and defence technology.
Since the time that Vietnam has begun to modernise their navy, they have bought Russian Kilo-class submarines and Gepard-class frigates, as well as made their own naval platforms and missile boats. The new frigate is yet another step in the drive to make a home-grown big, high-tech warship.
The construction would be carried out by Song Thu Corporation as well as the People’s Navy, defence industry organisations such as Viettel, who would be expected to work together on the building of the ship.
Also, Vietnam’s efforts to gain greater self-reliance in defence have an economic aspect.
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Through the development of local expertise in building naval skills, construction, military systems and raising local technological capacities, Hanoi aims to minimize its vulnerability to foreign cut-offs and boost its own technological capability.
The new unit is also likely to be “a representative” of Vietnam’s increasing efficiency in integrating systems developed locally to major military platforms instead of assembling imported ones.
Its exact displacement, propulsion type, weapons specification, sonar suite, speed at which it can operate and date of commissioning have not been known to the public yet.
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The project is set to precede the Vietnam’s 3rd Vietnam International Defence Expo, which is set to take place in Hanoi this December. The event is being organized to boost Vietnam’s defence manufacturing and drive Vietnam’s diversification of defence procurement ties.
The project is more than just a new addition for Vietnam’s fleet.
It will be an integral combined part of the long-term development of a domestic defense industry that designs, produces and maintains increasingly complex military systems.
With the growing rivalry in the South China Sea, Vietnam is growing its indigenous naval power, which would increasingly become a factor in safeguarding Vietnam’s maritime claims and enhancing deterrence.
The rising competition for the control of the maritime lines of communication in the South China Sea means that Vietnam’s increasing indigenous naval power would become an increasingly important element in protecting Vietnam’s maritime interests and improving deterrence.
