VietNamNet Bridge – The naval forces on August 22 received Russian-built Gepard 3.9 class frigate at Cam Ranh military port in Khanh Hoa province.

The ship has the Vietnamese name of HQ-012 Ly Thai To, after Vietnam’s notable historical figure – King Ly Thai To.

The ship, which was constructed by Russian-based Roso Bopone Xport, measures 102m in length, 13.7m in width. It is able to operate at wind forces of levels 10 to 12 (more than 100 km per hour). It is also equipped with modern weapons and a helipad.

Speaking at the receiving ceremony, Vice Admiral Nguyen Van Hien, and Deputy Minister of Defense, said that the ship is the most modern patrol ship in Vietnam and in Southeast Asia.

 “The fact that we invested to buy modern weapons to replace old-fashioned ones for the country’s economic development is a reality and suitable with the current trend,” he said.

A similar ship - HQ-011 or Dinh Tien Hoang Ship - was received by the Vietnamese navy in March 2010.

The ship in pictures:


Source: Tuoi Tre/VNE/VietNamNet