International
Vietnam Begins Construction of Largest, Most Modern Self-Built Naval Frigate
PHNOM PENH, August 11, 2026 – Vietnam has begun construction on the largest and most modern combat ship ever built by the country—a multi-purpose anti-submarine frigate—in a groundbreaking ceremony held on August 10 in Da Nang, according to the Vietnam Ministry of National Defense.
The ceremony was presided over by Senior Lieutenant General Pham Hoai Nam, Deputy Minister of National Defense, with senior military and government officials in attendance, including Vice Admiral Tran Thanh Nghiem, Commander of the Navy, and Lieutenant General Le Ngoc Hai, Commander of Military Region 5.
The frigate is being built by Song Thu Corporation, under the General Department of Defense Industry, in collaboration with the Navy. Officials emphasized that the ship is independently designed and constructed by Vietnam, with most weapons and equipment domestically produced. The project marks a significant milestone in Vietnam's defense industry, demonstrating the country's growing capacity for research, design, and manufacturing of advanced military technology.
Speaking at the ceremony, Senior Lieutenant General Pham Hoai Nam described the project as a key political task entrusted to Song Thu Corporation, which has 50 years of experience in military shipbuilding. He called on all involved agencies and units to concentrate resources, ensure strict compliance with technical processes, and meet quality and progress requirements.
The Deputy Minister also stressed the importance of coordination between the Navy, Song Thu Corporation, and technology partners such as Viettel, which will supply weapons and equipment for the vessel. He emphasized that the project aligns with Vietnam's defense industry policy of "autonomy, self-reliance, and dual-use" development.
The frigate is expected to significantly enhance Vietnam's naval capabilities, particularly in anti-submarine warfare, and marks a new chapter in the country's military modernization efforts.
— Source: Vietnam Ministry of National Defense / People's Army Newspaper
Reported by The Khmer Today
