Russian-Built Sub Hanoi Arrives in Vietnam

Vietnam’s first kilo-class submarine Hanoi HQ 182, built by Russia, has arrived at Cam Ranh naval base in central Vietnam, Viet Nam News agency reported.

The submarine docked at the base late Tuesday after a month and a half journey from Russian Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg. The 636 Varshavyanka-class submarine was transported by a heavy-lift vessel Rolldock Sea.

Delivery of Hanoi HQ 182 will be followed by two of her sister subs, Ho Chi Minh and Haiphong, slated for completion and transport this year.

The 3,100-ton submarines are described as almost undetectable when submerged. They boast of cutting-edge stealth technology and can engage targets both on land, surface and underwater.

In 2009, Vietnam’s Defense Ministry ordered six Varshavyanka-class submarines under a two-billion-dollar arrangement due for delivery by 2016.

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Naval Today Staff, January 2, 2014; Image: Shipspotting