Vietnam To Receive Russia's Gepard-class Ship In September This Year

Russia is expected to deliver first Gepard-class frigate to Vietnam in September as part of its plan to supply two frigates by year end.

According to the ships' manufacturer, Zelenodolsk Shipyard, Vietnam will receive two Russian Gepard-class (Project 1166.1) frigates by the end of the year, Sputnik news reported today.

"The first ship will be delivered in September as it has already completed trials.” Zelenodolsk Shipyard General Director Renat Mistakhov said. However, the second is just starting trials, we will hand it over to the client in November or December this year," Mistakhov said. Both frigates are currently undergoing firing trials at a Black Sea naval training range.

Vietnam ordered this batch of vessels in 2011 and they were laid down the following year and construction proceeded on schedule despite Ukraine's refusal to supply components in 2016.

The Zelenodolsk plant had showcased its Gepard 3.9 frigate at the LIMA-2017 naval and aerospace exhibition in Malaysia last month. The manufacturer also agreed to supply the vessels to Sri Lanka during the event.

The Gepard 3.9 is an export version of Project 1166.1 frigates. It is equipped to engage enemy aircraft, ships and submarines, as well as conduct escort missions, patrol and support landing and mine-laying missions.

The Vietnamese navy received in March and August 2011 two Gepard 3.9-class frigates ordered in 2006, built in Russia at Tatarstan's Gorky Shipbuilding Plant.

A further two ships were ordered in 2014 to bring the total order up to six vessels.