17/01/2012
Vietnam already boasts a thriving merchant ship construction sector, and has also built some coastal paramilitary craft in recent years. Now, the country is emerging as a warship builder.
The 54-metre patrol ship HQ 272 was commissioned into the People’s Army of Vietnam Navy (PAVN) on January 16. This is the first military ship built by Vietnam.
This vessel was constructed, with Russian assistance, by the Hong Ha Shipbuilding Company in the northern port city of Hai Phong. The diesel-powered, 32-knot ship is based the Russian Svetlyak OPV. The ship is armed with a 76.2-millimeter gun and a 30-millimeter cannon.
Admiral Pham Ngoc Minh, Deputy Commander, Chief of Naval Staff said that the vessel would contribute to enhance the navy’s strength. More importantly, Vietnam is gradually mastering the warship building technology to take initiative in manufacturing equipment and weapon for national defense.
Minh said that the ship will be used for patrol to defense the country’s sea, islands and continental shelf.
Source: VNE
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