Vietnam launches new OPV
Vietnamese shipbuilder Song Thu Corporation launched an offshore patrol vessel (OPV) destined for the country’s coast guard on 30 November.
Based on a Damen 9014 OPV design from the Netherlands, this is the third multipurpose vessel of what Vietnam calls the DN 2000 class. The first vessels of the Vietnam Coast Guard’s (VCG) most advanced design are numbered 8001 and 8002, while the latest vessel bears the hull number 8005.
Its construction is currently six months ahead of schedule, as 8005 was originally scheduled to launch in April 2016. Song Thu is under contract to the Directorate of Defence Industry,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
What the rise of interoperability between Western allies means for defence procurement
Major naval initiatives including the European Patrol Corvette programmes and Norway’s UK partnership-focused purchase of Type 26 frigates point to the growing interest in the advantages of commonality across allied navies.
-
Kraken’s Royal Navy USV contract signals next step in crewed-uncrewed integration
The UK Royal Navy’s rapid procurement of uncrewed platforms aligns with the force’s strategic shift towards a fleet better equipped to handle modern threats.
-
HMS Anson’s milestone stay in Australia cut short during AUKUS deployment
The Astute-class submarine’s visit to Australia was the first time maintenance activity on a UK Royal Navy nuclear submarine had been carried out in the country.
-
How Operation Epic Fury could reduce US readiness to face China
The offensive against Iran could impact training and maintenance cycles and accelerate the degradation of the US arsenal on top of depleting Washington’s stockpiles.
-
UK Royal Navy explores modular counter-drone capabilities for future hybrid fleet
The UK MoD is scoping out systems to counter the growing threat of uncrewed aerial systems, with a focus on low-cost modularity and speed to field.