The People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) Navy is scheduled to take delivery of its third and fourth Russian-built Gepard 3.9 (Project 11661) light frigates in 2017, according to financial statements released by Russia's Zelenodolsk Shipyard on 1 April.
The PAVN Navy commissioned its first two modified Gepard-class frigates, Dinh Tien Hoang and Ly Thai Ho , in March and August 2011 respectively. The two additional vessels, reported to be anti-submarine warfare (ASW) variants, are being built under a contract signed in late 2011.
The class is based on a Russian Navy design, but modified according Vietnamese requirements by the Zelenodolsk Design Bureau. The vessels feature a low-observable superstructure, have an overall length of 102 m, and displace 2,100 tonnes at full load. The vessels can reach a top speed of 26 kt and have a range of 5,000 nautical miles at 10 kt.
According to IHS Jane's Fighting Ships , the light frigates' armaments include one 76 mm AK-176, two 30 mm AK-630, and two AO-18KD guns. The ships can embark a Ka-28 or Ka-31 naval helicopter on deck.
The Gepard class is expected to replace the four Petya (Project 159)-class light frigates that have been in service for more than 30 years.
Jane360
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