Vietnam People’s Navy launched its fifth and sixth home-made Molniya-class missile corvettes on October 9, Vietnamese news outlet Tuổi Trẻ reports.
“The ships are the assets of our people. All officers train hard to protect the vessels and defend the national flag,” Vietnam People’s Navy deputy commander Rear Admiral Hoang Hong Ha said during the ceremony, as quoted by Tuổi Trẻ.
Vietnam is expected to have a total of 12 Molniya-class missile corvettes designed by Russian JSC Almaz Central Marine Design Bureau. The first two were built in Russia by Vympel Shipyard JSC.
The contract stipulated that the next 10 corvettes will be built in Vietnam by Ba Son Shipbuilding Company.
According to Naval-technology.com, the primary mission of these warships is destruction of enemy combat vessels, landing craft and enemy naval forces in both littoral waters and open seas. Secondary mission may include patrolling, rescue, anti-piracy, border protection and reconnaissance.
It added that the Molniya-class missile corvettes feature 16 Uran-E (Kh-35) shipborne missile systems in launch containers on both sides to engage a variety of sea-based targets. They are also armed with one 76mm AK-176M gun at the front and two 30mm AK-630M gun at the rear.