Vietnam’s Submarine Push: New Warship Signals a Stronger Naval Future

Defence Technology

Vietnam is building its most advanced homegrown warship, strengthening naval capability and defence independence as tensions continue across the South China Sea.

Vietnam has begun building its most advanced homegrown warship, strengthening its naval capabilities.
The vessel is being built at Song Thu Shipyard in Danang City with much of its equipment developed or assembled domestically.
Viettel and Vietnamese defence units will support the vessel’s weapons, technology and systems.
The project supports Vietnam’s goal of reducing reliance on foreign military suppliers, particularly Russia.
The move comes as South China Sea tensions continue, while Vietnam expands its defence industry and naval strength.

Vietnam has started building what it describes as its largest and most advanced domestically made submarine defence vessel, giving fresh momentum to its drive for greater military self-reliance.

The vessel is being constructed at the Defence Ministry’s Song Thu Shipyard in Danang City. Most of its weapons and military equipment are also expected to be developed or assembled within Vietnam.

The project comes as Vietnam continues to face maritime disputes involving China and other claimants in the South China Sea. Hanoi has been strengthening its domestic defence industry while working to reduce its long-standing dependence on imported military hardware, much of it supplied by Russia.

Vietnam’s government has described its defence strategy as autonomous, self-reliant, self-strengthening, dual-use and modern. The new warship fits directly into that policy.

Military technology group Viettel will work with the navy, Song Thu Shipyard and other defence research and manufacturing units during construction. Their responsibilities will include developing and installing weapons and military equipment.

Vietnam has already invested heavily in naval modernization. Its fleet includes Russian-built Kilo-class submarines and Gepard-class frigates, alongside a growing number of locally built missile boats and patrol vessels.

The latest project points to a wider shift. Vietnam is looking beyond simply purchasing defence equipment and is seeking greater control over its design, production and maintenance.

That could strengthen domestic engineering skills, improve supply security and give the country more control over future defence requirements.

That remains uncertain. Building an advanced warship requires sophisticated engineering, electronics, weapons systems and long-term industrial capacity. Completing the vessel will be only one part of the challenge.

Vietnam will also host the Vietnam International Defence Expo in Hanoi in December. The event is expected to support efforts to expand domestic defence production and develop relationships with new international suppliers.

The new vessel therefore carries significance beyond its military role. It reflects Vietnam’s effort to build a stronger defence industry while navigating growing pressure across the South China Sea. Business Honor asks Is Vietnam building one warship, or taking a decisive step toward a stronger, more independent naval power?