Vietnam begins construction of largest homemade anti-submarine warship

The frigate will feature a significant proportion of its weaponry and military hardware developed or assembled within Vietnam. This initiative aligns with Vietnam's strategic policy to foster an independent, self-reliant, and modern defense industry, reducing its dependence on imported military hardware, particularly from Russia.

The project involves collaboration between the navy, Song Thu Shipyard, and military entities like Viettel, which will contribute to the development and installation of the ship's systems. This development occurs amidst Vietnam's ongoing maritime disputes with China and other claimants in the South China Sea.

Vietnam's navy has been undergoing modernization, incorporating Russian-built Kilo-class submarines and Gepard-class frigates, alongside its growing fleet of domestically produced missile boats and patrol vessels. The country is set to host the Vietnam International Defence Expo in December, aiming to further promote its domestic defense production and diversify its equipment sources.