Vietnam Begins Work on Largest Domestically Built Anti-Submarine Frigate

Vietnam has initiated construction of its largest and most sophisticated domestically produced anti-submarine frigate, according to a military-owned newspaper. The vessel is being assembled at the defence ministry's Song Thu Shipyard in Danang City.

The project is notable for its emphasis on local manufacturing, with most of the warship's weapons and military equipment slated for domestic development or assembly. The military-run telecom and technology group Viettel, along with other defence research units, will collaborate closely with the navy and the shipyard on the vessel's construction, including the integration of its weaponry.

This initiative aligns with Vietnam's stated policy of fostering a defence industry that is autonomous, self-reliant, and modern. The move is part of a broader strategy to expand domestic defence manufacturing capabilities and reduce dependence on imported military hardware, which has historically come largely from Russia.

Vietnam's navy has undergone significant modernisation in recent decades, acquiring Russian-built Kilo-class submarines and Gepard-class frigates while also expanding its fleet of domestically built missile boats and patrol vessels. The country is also set to host the Vietnam International Defence Expo in Hanoi this December, the third edition of the biennial event, as it seeks to further boost local production and diversify its sources of military equipment.