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.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy weighs “Super Intelligence” role in designing a quieter SSN(X) attack submarine]()
US Navy weighs “Super Intelligence” role in designing a quieter SSN(X) attack submarine
NAVSEA is exploring AI-assisted design for a larger, stealthier submarine with increased weapons capacity and uncrewed-system integration, with lead-boat procurement envisaged from 2040.
-
![ST Engineering makes Euronaval debut with MRV European export campaign]()
ST Engineering makes Euronaval debut with MRV European export campaign
A six-ship home order, agreements with Saab, Naval Group and Babcock and spare yard capacity underpin the group’s first Euronaval bid for smaller European navies.
-
![Navies need cheaper ways to defeat drones, but can they sustain merchant protection?]()
Navies need cheaper ways to defeat drones, but can they sustain merchant protection?
New interceptors and launchers could help navies preserve missile stocks during prolonged escort operations. Yet lower engagement costs will only improve merchant protection if the weapons are available where ships need defending.
-
![Euronaval 2026: Red Cat’s Blue Ops follows USV demand from Asia to the Andes]()
Euronaval 2026: Red Cat’s Blue Ops follows USV demand from Asia to the Andes
With its B-26 USV in full-rate production, Blue Ops is seeking to turn overseas interest into orders through a combination of lower operating costs, UAV integration and local manufacturing.
-
![Euronaval 2026: ‘I want to sell 31 Type 31s by 2031’ - CGO maps Babcock’s global push]()
Euronaval 2026: ‘I want to sell 31 Type 31s by 2031’ - CGO maps Babcock’s global push
Chief growth officer Sir Nick Hine tells Shephard how Babcock is lining up New Zealand, Chile, Denmark and the US for its Arrowhead 140 frigate, speaks on the hybrid navy offer and talks AUKUS.
