Vietnam Starts Building Largest, Most Advanced Home-Built Anti-Submarine Warship

Vietnam has begun construction of a multipurpose anti-submarine frigate described as the country’s largest and most advanced domestically made warship to date, marking a major milestone for its defense and military shipbuilding industries.

Where and how did the construction begin?

The steel-cutting ceremony for the vessel was held on Monday in Da Nang City by Song Thu Corporation, under the Ministry of National Defense’s General Department of Defense Industry, in coordination with the Naval Service, the project’s investor. Deputy Defense Minister Senior Lieutenant General Pham Hoai Nam attended the ceremony alongside central and local officials.

How much of the frigate’s design and equipment is being developed domestically?

The frigate is being designed entirely by Vietnamese engineers, while most of its weapons and military equipment will also be developed or assembled domestically, according to Quan Doi Nhan Dan, the People’s Army newspaper. The project demonstrates Vietnam’s growing ability to master core and foundational technologies and independently conduct research, design and manufacturing of military equipment, reflecting the state’s policy of building a defence industry that is self-reliant, self-sufficient, dual-use and modern.

What did the Deputy Defense Minister say about the project’s significance?

Speaking at the ceremony, Nam said the project demonstrates the military’s determination to independently research and manufacture advanced defence equipment. He praised Song Thu Corporation, one of the military’s leading shipbuilders, for proactively working with the project owner, supervision consultant and registration authority to finalise the vessel’s design, procure materials and prepare thoroughly for construction.

What has the Ministry directed the shipbuilder to prioritise?

Nam asked Song Thu Corporation to prioritise all necessary resources, promote innovation and apply science and technology to ensure safe construction and timely completion, while meeting technical, quality and aesthetic requirements. He also directed the corporation to work with relevant agencies to finalise the integrated design and prepare for the construction of additional vessels.

What oversight has been put in place for the project?

Nam called on the Naval Service to closely monitor the vessel’s construction and establish a steering committee to oversee all stages, from construction and inspection to acceptance and handover, stressing that the frigate must meet all quality requirements and be put into service as soon as possible for training, combat readiness and the protection of Vietnam’s sovereignty over its seas and islands.