Vietnam receives third Kilo-class submarine
Vietnam received its third Project 636M Kilo-class submarine christened Haiphong (HQ 184) on 29 January under a $2 billion that will see the Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN) receive six boats in total.
Vietnam’s purchase of these submarines marks a major improvement in the navy’s capabilities, spurred by assertive Chinese activity in the South China Sea. Vietnam’s submarines are equipped with more modern equipment than China’s own Kilo-class boats.
Images from local media showed the boat arriving in the Cam Ranh Bay Naval Base aboard the Dutch-registered Rolldock Star, a heavy-lift transport ship that departed Saint Petersburg on 15 December.
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
US Navy’s MUSV programme could lay the USV procurement blueprint for NATO allies
The programme’s structure as a marketplace will allow multiple companies to compete for ongoing procurements; an approach which could be replicated across the Atlantic.
-
UK Defence Investment Plan: What does it mean for the country’s naval forces?
Investment in nuclear submarines, autonomous systems and stronger defensive capabilities for existing vessels show a clear strategic shift in Royal Navy priorities.
-
UK Royal Navy shifts focus from warships to system-led warfare
With a revised Defence Investment Plan on the way ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit on 7-8 July, the UK government has begun to reveal more details of how its future naval fleet could look.