Gepard 3.9 frigate launches
The second ship of the second pair of Gepard 3.9 frigates built for the Vietnamese Navy has been launched at the AM Gorky Zelenodolsk Plant.
The vessel, designed by the Zelenodolsk Design Bureau, is one of a pair of frigates ordered in 2012. The first ship was launched in April 2016.
The vessel will remain at the plant over the summer while the final equipment is installed. It will deploy for sea trials in September.
The 2,200 ton Gepard 3.9 frigates are designed to perform anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine missions, along with border patrol, anti-smuggling, poaching and piracy missions, as well as search and rescue.
The vessels are equipped with modern missile, artillery, anti-aircraft, anti-submarine, and radio-technical armaments, as well as mine and anti-sabotage weapons.
The first pair of frigates was delivered to the Vietnamese Navy in 2011. Discussions are currently underway for the construction of a third pair.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid]()
TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid
Four shipbuilders have been downselected to build the frigate replacement programme, and TKMS hopes the new deal will give it a geographical advantage.
-
![As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?]()
As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?
The tripartite submarine project is under political pressure from a grass-roots Australian Labor Party movement, but it could also have practical issues in its way.
-
![Newest Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyer launched and ready for fitting]()
Newest Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyer launched and ready for fitting
DDG 129, which will become the USS Jeremiah Denton on commissioning, was moved to dry dock to begin its technical fitting and testing.
