Vietnam has begun construction of what officials describe as the largest and most advanced warship ever built domestically, marking a step forward in the country's efforts to strengthen its naval defence capabilities.
A ceremony marking the start of construction of the multipurpose anti-submarine frigate was held on Monday in the central coastal city of Da Nang, Viet Nam News reported.
The vessel is being built by Song Thu Corporation under the General Department of Defence Industry, in coordination with the Vietnam People's Navy.
Vietnamese authorities said the country had achieved self-reliance in designing and building the frigate and had mastered most of the weapons and equipment to be installed aboard the vessel.
Advanced capabilities
Deputy Defence Minister Senior Lt Gen Pham Hoai Nam said the latest-generation warship would be capable of detecting and destroying submarines and was scheduled for completion within 36 months.
The frigate will be equipped with an active electronically scanned array radar, air-defence missiles and advanced domestically developed anti-ship missiles.
"Against the backdrop of rapid, complex and unpredictable developments in the world and the region, we must continuously strengthen our overall capabilities, ensure strategic self-reliance in weapons and technical equipment, and build a revolutionary, regular, elite and modern military," Nam said.
The ceremony also included the cutting of the first steel, formally marking the start of construction.
