Trần Hưng Đạo (HQ-01)

Trần Hưng Đạo (HQ-01). It is the lead ship of the Gepard-class frigate (Project 11661E) acquired by the Vietnam People's Navy from Russia. Commissioned in 2011, the vessel is named after the revered 13th-century Vietnamese military commander Trần Hưng Đạo, who famously repelled Mongol invasions. As a key component of Vietnam's modern naval expansion, it serves primarily in the South China Sea, enhancing the fleet's anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare capabilities.

Overview

The acquisition of the *Trần Hưng Đạo* marked a significant step in the modernization efforts of the Vietnam People's Navy under the broader context of Vietnam's military doctrine. Ordered as part of a 2006 contract with Zelenodolsk Design Bureau and built at the Zelenodolsk Shipyard, the frigate was designed to bolster Vietnam's maritime sovereignty patrols, particularly in disputed areas like the Spratly Islands. Its introduction coincided with increased regional tensions and Vietnam's efforts to develop a more credible blue-water navy. The ship is routinely deployed for exercises such as those with the Indian Navy and participates in multilateral engagements like the International Fleet Review.

Design and construction

Based on the Russian Project 11661 design, the *Trần Hưng Đạo* is a modified export variant (Gepard 3.9) tailored for tropical operations. Its stealth technology features include angled superstructures and radar-absorbent materials to reduce its radar cross-section. The hull was laid down in 2007, with the vessel launched in 2010 before undergoing sea trials in the Black Sea. Key construction involved integrating systems from various Russian defense contractors, including Morinformsystem-Agat for combat management and Uran anti-ship missiles from Tactical Missiles Corporation. Modifications for the Vietnamese order included enhanced air conditioning systems and compatibility with specific electronic warfare suites.

Service history

Commissioned in a ceremony at Cam Ranh Bay in 2011, the *Trần Hưng Đạo* was immediately assigned to the 4th Naval Region. Its early service focused on crew training with Russian advisors and familiarization patrols in the East Sea. A notable deployment occurred in 2014 when it shadowed the USS John S. McCain during a Freedom of Navigation operation near Đà Nẵng. In 2018, it led a naval task group to Singapore for the ASEAN-hosted fleet review. The frigate has been instrumental in several major exercises, including Vietnam-Russia naval exercises and the bilateral PASSEX with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. It underwent its first major refit at Dung Quat Shipyard in 2020.

Specifications

The frigate displaces approximately 2,100 tons at full load and measures 102 meters in length. Propulsion is provided by two M88 diesel engines and two M90 gas turbines in a combined diesel and gas configuration, enabling speeds over 28 knots. Its sensor suite includes a Furke-E air search radar, a Pozitiv-ME 3D radar, and a Vinyetka-EM towed sonar. Primary armament consists of eight Kh-35 anti-ship missiles, a AK-630 close-in weapon system, and a 76.2 mm AK-176 naval gun. For anti-submarine warfare, it is equipped with two twin 533 mm torpedo tubes and a RBU-6000 rocket launcher. The vessel carries one Kamov Ka-27 or Kamov Ka-28 helicopter operated from a stern hangar and flight deck.

See also

* Vietnam People's Navy * Gepard-class frigate * Cam Ranh Bay * South China Sea dispute * List of active Vietnam People's Navy ships

Category:Frigates of Vietnam Category:Gepard-class frigates Category:Ships built in Russia