The final Project 636 Kilo-class diesel-electric submarine for the Vietnamese
navy under a 2009 contract was laid down Wednesday at Admiralty Shipyards
in St. Petersburg, a defense industry source told RIA Novosti. "Today,
we had the ceremony of laying down the sixth submarine for Vietnam.
This is the latest submarine in this series," the source said.
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Under the $2 billion contract, two submarines have already been delivered
to Vietnam, the third is undergoing sea trials, a fourth was floated
out in late March, and the fifth and sixth are now under construction.
"Two submarines have already been transferred to the Vietnamese
Navy, the third is to be transferred this year and the remaining three
in 2015-2016," according to the source.
The vessels are built at the Admiralty Shipyards, a leading enterprise
of the Russian shipbuilding industry and part of the United Shipbuilding
Corporation. Its military products include warships, especially nuclear
and diesel-powered submarines, and large auxiliary vessels.
Unparalleled in her technical and operational specifications, the ship
is designed to conduct effective anti-sub warfare along with the capability
to engage surface ships and coastal targets of potential adversary striking
operations both independently or as part of a larger task force. Increased
output of the main propulsion plant allowed to enhance significantly
her submerged speed alongside with endurance range up to 7500 miles.
Furthermore, she is one of the world’s quietest diesel-electric
submarines providing guaranteed early enemy detection and long-range
attack as well as evasive maneuverability and concealment. |
