Vietnam’s Molniya-Class Corvettes: Surface Combat Power with Rapid Missile Reload Capability.

The Vietnam People’s Navy has spotlighted the operational capabilities of its Molniya-class corvettes, highlighting their role as a decisive force in maritime security. Tailored for surface combat, these agile warships carry an arsenal of 16 anti-ship missiles, making them a formidable counter to any naval threat. With modular reloading systems and advanced design, the Molniya-class showcases Vietnam’s commitment to modernizing its fleet and asserting control over its territorial waters.
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Vietnamese Navy's Project 1241.8 Molniya-class corvette. (Picture source: Indian Navy)

Each Molniya-class corvette is equipped to fire up to sixteen anti-ship missiles in a single sortie. This makes them a potent force in regional naval operations, particularly in contested waters where maritime superiority is critical. The missile armament consists of advanced Kh-35E Uran-E anti-ship missiles, known for their reliability and precision in targeting. These missiles are housed in KT-184 quad launchers, which allow for simultaneous engagement of multiple targets, enhancing the ship’s operational tempo in high-stakes engagements.

One of the standout features of the Molniya-class corvettes is their innovative reload system. During combat or training exercises, personnel can rapidly swap out the KT-184 quad launchers, ensuring minimal downtime between volleys. This design prioritizes operational sustainability and ensures the ship remains combat-ready even after expending its initial missile load.

This reload efficiency not only enhances the ship’s endurance in prolonged engagements but also allows it to adapt quickly to evolving tactical scenarios. By enabling a swift return to readiness, this capability reinforces the corvettes’ role as frontline assets in the VPN’s surface warfare doctrine.

Designed with a focus on coastal defense and blue-water engagements, the Molniya-class corvettes represent a critical component of Vietnam’s naval strategy. Their agility, coupled with their powerful missile systems, positions them as effective deterrents against hostile naval incursions. Additionally, the platform’s ability to deliver sustained offensive capabilities makes it an invaluable asset in the VPN’s efforts to safeguard its maritime interests and assert its presence in the South China Sea.

Technical data

The Molniya-class corvettes feature a planing hull design, constructed primarily of steel with aluminum alloy superstructures to reduce weight and enhance speed. Their compact size and shallow draft allow for effective operations in littoral zones. The vessels have a displacement of approximately 550-600 tons, a length of 56.1 meters, a beam of 10.2 meters, and a draft of 2.5 meters.

Their propulsion system consists of twin gas turbines and diesel engines in a combined diesel and gas (CODAG) configuration. This setup provides a maximum speed of 38-40 knots and an operational range of 1,650 nautical miles at 12 knots, suitable for rapid response missions along coastlines.

Armament is centered on advanced anti-ship missile systems, including the P-270 Moskit or Kh-35 missiles, capable of engaging large naval targets at extended ranges. This offensive capability is complemented by a 76.2mm naval gun for versatile engagement of surface, aerial, and ground threats. Close-range defense is provided by twin AK-630M systems, offering robust protection against incoming missiles and aircraft. Additional point-defense capabilities include Igla-M systems, and some configurations enhance versatility with torpedoes and depth charges for anti-submarine warfare.