Vietnam starts building largest, most advanced home-built anti-submarine warship

The steel-cutting ceremony for the vessel was held 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 investor.

Deputy Defense Minister Senior Lieut. Gen. Pham Hoai Nam attended the ceremony, along with central and local officials.

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 (People's Army) newspaper.

The project, involving the country's largest and most modern warship so far, demonstrates Vietnam's growing ability to master core and foundational technologies and independently conduct research, design and manufacture military equipment.

It also reflects the Party and state's policy of developing a defense industry that is self-reliant, self-sufficient, dual-use, and modern.

Vietnamese scientists, military shipbuilding engineers, and skilled workers are working together to develop the vessel, demonstrating Vietnam's ability to build advanced warships domestically.

Speaking at the ceremony, Nam said the project demonstrates the military's determination to independently research and manufacture advanced defense equipment.

Song Thu Corporation, one of the military's leading shipbuilders, has extensive experience in military shipbuilding, well-equipped facilities and a team of skilled engineers and leading specialists.

The ministry assigned the corporation to build the multipurpose anti-submarine frigate, he said.

Nam praised Song Thu Corporation for proactively working with the project owner, supervision consultant, and registration authority to finalize the vessel's design, procure materials, and make thorough preparations for construction.

He asked the corporation to prioritize all necessary resources, promote innovation, and apply science and technology to ensure safe construction and complete the vessel on schedule while meeting technical, quality and aesthetic requirements.

The corporation should also work with relevant agencies to finalize the integrated design and prepare for the construction of additional vessels, he said.

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.

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, he stressed.