Vietnam has begun construction of what it says is the largest and most advanced domestically produced anti-submarine frigate in the country. Reuters reports this, citing a Vietnamese military newspaper, UNN writes.
Details
The vessel is being built at the Son Thu shipyard of the Ministry of Defence in the city of Da Nang. Most of its weapons and military equipment will also be developed or manufactured domestically, the Quan Doi Nhan Dan newspaper reported on Monday evening.
Vietnam, which has long been involved in maritime disputes with China and other claimants to territory in the South China Sea, seeks to expand its own defence production capabilities and reduce its dependence on imported military equipment, which is largely supplied by Russia
The project is in line with Vietnam’s policy of developing a defence industry that should be "autonomous, self-sufficient, capable of self-development, dual-use and modern," according to a government statement.
The Viettel military technology group and other defence research and production units will closely cooperate with the navy and the Son Thu shipyard during construction of the vessel, including on the development and installation of weapons and equipment, the newspaper reported.
Vietnam’s navy has undergone active modernization in recent decades. The country has acquired Kilo-class submarines and Gepard-class frigates built in Russia, and is also gradually expanding its domestically produced fleet, including missile boats and patrol vessels.
In December, Vietnam is scheduled to host the Vietnam International Defence Expo in Hanoi. This will be the third event, held every two years. The country seeks to increase its domestic defence production and diversify sources of military equipment supplies.
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