India gifts missile corvette to Vietnam amidst deepening ties
The corvette INS Kirpan, pictured before its handover from the Indian Navy to Vietnam. (Photo: Indian MoD)
Cementing the two countries' defence partnership, India has donated a second-hand warship to Vietnam.
India gifted a 32-year-old missile corvette, INS Kirpan, to the Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN). This is the first time that India has donated an operational corvette to a friendly country.
The former Indian Navy vessel departed Visakhapatnam on 28 June and arrived in Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam on 8 July. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, the ex-INS Kirpan is the third of four Khukri-class corvettes.
When Gen Phan Van Giang, Vietnam’s Minister of Defence, visited India from 17-19 June, his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh had promised to gift this vessel.
The Indian MoD said the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Naval modernisation accelerates amid geopolitical tension and tech evolution]()
Naval modernisation accelerates amid geopolitical tension and tech evolution
The global naval market is undergoing a notable transformation, with growth driven by both escalating geopolitical tensions and the emergence of innovative technologies. Across NATO, but particularly in Europe, navies are accelerating modernisation efforts, spurred by renewed threats and persistent capability gaps.
-
![Ireland steps up European defence co-operation in the face of Russian activity]()
Ireland steps up European defence co-operation in the face of Russian activity
Ireland is militarily neutral but has joined a European Union (EU) rapid reaction force and a European information sharing group.
-
![Raytheon’s Barracuda completes anti-mine tests as company looks to expand role]()
Raytheon’s Barracuda completes anti-mine tests as company looks to expand role
Raytheon successfully completed tests in February of the Barracuda uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) mine-neutralisation system which the company is building for the US Navy (USN).
