Posted on 04/01/2013 2:50:27 PM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
Vietnam To Receive Advanced Russian Sub in 2013
As tensions remain high in the South China Sea between Vietnam and China, Hanoi is reportedly set to receive its first of six advanced submarines from Russia.
Ria Novsti reported that “The first of six Varshavyanka class (Project 636M) diesel-electric submarines will be delivered to Vietnam in 2013 as scheduled.” Commonly referred to as the Kilo-class, the subs reportedly boast “advanced stealth technology, extended combat range and ability to strike land, surface and underwater targets.”
Hanoi placed an order for six of the Russian-made subs back in 2009. According to the report by Ria Novsti, the contract, which also has provisions for the training of Vietnamese submarine crews in Russia, is reportedly worth US$2 billion.
According to a recent article from USNI News, Vietnam has ordered the most advanced variant of the Kilo, the improved 636MV. The USNI article explained:
“The Project 636 Kilo-class submarine has been dubbed the “black hole” by the U.S. Navy for its level of quietness. The Project 636MV-class sub has improved stealth features through the removal of flooding ports and treating the hull with multilayer anechoic rubber tiles. The tiles are fitted on casings and fins to absorb active sonar waves that reduce and distort the return signal. The anechoic tiles also shield sounds from within the submarine thus reducing the range of detection by passive sonar.”
The new subs could also be part of Vietnam’s attempt to develop its own anti-access capabilities. As our own Naval Diplomat, James Holmes, pointed out in a recent article:
“Submarines offer enormous bang for the buck, and they are survivable. Still, this also means that advances in Chinese antisubmarine warfare could
(Excerpt) Read more at thediplomat.com ...
When they say, “advance” - that would be defined as having no apparent leaks...as of the sale!
http://www.infohow.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Victoria-Class-vs-Kilo-Class-Submarines.jpg
Here’s the break down of the interior...
I guess Ivan is trying limit Vietnamese population growth.
Die imperialist dogs!
Vietnam having a viable submarine threat changes the equation in their ongoing territorial dispute with China over South China Sea fishing and mineral rights.
The Kilo is certainly not the fastest, deepest, quietest, best equipped or most powerful submarine in the world. But it is a proven system with a 33 year history and you have to account for it if your adversary has one.
I think Ivan is using Vietnam as a check on China much like they did in the late 1970s.
And India too. There is a reason why Russians are stuffing India with all the best gear they usually keep for themselves, including strategic platforms like nuclear subs and aircraft carriers.
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