Vietnam-Russia Deal on Gepard-Class Frigates Purchase Before July End

Vietnam’s discussions with Russia to purchase two Gepard-class light frigates is in the last stage of negotiation.

A deal could be reached by the end of the month, the sources told RBTH on Friday. The negotiations slowed down after China raised its concerns over Russia supplying Vietnam with arsenal.

China and Vietnam went to war in the 1970s and dispute certain islands in the South China Sea. Vietnam has four such Russian-made light frigates, with two of them undergoing weapons fitting at the moment.

Moscow has decided to overlook Beijing concern’s on Russia-Vietnam defense deals. Vietnam has four Russian-built Kilo class submarines and is expecting the delivery of two more.

Vietnam is also looking to modernize its air force.