Gepard 3.9 frigate launches
The second ship of the second pair of Gepard 3.9 frigates built for the Vietnamese Navy has been launched at the AM Gorky Zelenodolsk Plant.
The vessel, designed by the Zelenodolsk Design Bureau, is one of a pair of frigates ordered in 2012. The first ship was launched in April 2016.
The vessel will remain at the plant over the summer while the final equipment is installed. It will deploy for sea trials in September.
The 2,200 ton Gepard 3.9 frigates are designed to perform anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine missions, along with border patrol, anti-smuggling, poaching and piracy missions, as well as search and rescue.
The vessels are equipped with modern missile, artillery, anti-aircraft, anti-submarine, and radio-technical armaments, as well as mine and anti-sabotage weapons.
The first pair of frigates was delivered to the Vietnamese Navy in 2011. Discussions are currently underway for the construction of a third pair.
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