Vietnam has begun construction of what it describes as the country’s largest and most advanced domestically built anti-submarine frigate, according to a military-owned newspaper.
The vessel is being built at the Defence Ministry’s Song Thu Shipyard in Danang City, with most of its weapons and military equipment developed or assembled domestically, the Quan Doi Nhan Dan newspaper reported late on Monday (10th August).
The steel-cutting ceremony took place on 10th August 2026 in Danang and was attended by Deputy Minister of National Defence Senior Lieutenant General Pham Hoai Nam, along with central and local officials.
The multipurpose frigate, designed entirely by Vietnamese engineers, is intended to detect and destroy submarines as part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s maritime defences.
Song Thu Corporation, one of the military’s leading shipbuilders, has been assigned the project. The company has extensive experience, well-equipped facilities, and a skilled engineering workforce.
Military-run telecommunications and technology group Viettel, along with other defence research and manufacturing units, will work closely with the navy and Song Thu during construction, including on the development and installation of weapons and other equipment.
Construction is expected to take around 36 months. Once completed, the frigate is intended to support training, combat readiness, and the protection of Vietnam’s sovereignty over its seas and islands.
Officials also noted that preparations are under way for the potential construction of additional vessels.
Vietnam, which has long been involved in maritime disputes with China and other claimants in the South China Sea, has been seeking to expand its domestic defence manufacturing capabilities while reducing its reliance on imported military hardware, much of which has historically been sourced from Russia.
The country’s navy has undergone a major modernisation drive over the past several decades, transforming the force from a primarily coastal fleet into one with greater operational reach. This has included the acquisition of six Russian-built Kilo-class submarines, delivered between 2013 and 2017. They form the core of Southeast Asia’s largest submarine fleet and provide an important undersea deterrent.
Four Gepard-class frigates, some configured for anti-submarine warfare, have further strengthened Vietnam’s surface capabilities for patrols and convoy operations in contested waters. Meanwhile, a growing fleet of domestically built missile boats and patrol vessels has expanded coverage of its coastline and exclusive economic zone.
The new frigate marks a step beyond the country’s previous reliance on foreign platforms, demonstrating greater expertise in core technologies including naval shipbuilding, research, design, and systems integration. It aligns with the Communist Party and state’s push for a defence industry that is “autonomous, self-reliant, self-strengthening, dual-use and modern”, according to a government statement.
Viettel and other units are expected to contribute phased-array radar systems, air defence missiles, and anti-ship missiles developed or assembled domestically, helping maximise local content.
Senior Lieutenant General Pham emphasised at the ceremony the military’s determination to research and manufacture advanced defence equipment independently. He called for resources to be prioritised, innovation to be encouraged, and close coordination maintained between the navy, shipyard, and related agencies to ensure the vessel meets technical, quality, and scheduling requirements.
Vietnam is due to host the Vietnam International Defence Expo in Hanoi in December, the third edition of the biennial event, as it seeks to strengthen domestic defence production and diversify its sources of military equipment. Previous editions have showcased indigenous developments, including anti-ship missiles, while the expo provides a platform for partnerships supporting the “dual-use” and “modern” elements of the country’s national defence industry policy.
Vietnam continues to balance military modernisation with diplomatic efforts amid ongoing disputes in the South China Sea. By advancing the domestic design and production of a major surface combatant specialised in anti-submarine warfare, the country aims to address potential undersea threats while strengthening its industrial capacity to protect its national interests in maritime domains.
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