Japanese newspaper reports on Vietnamese submarine rescue vessel.

According to expert Parameswaran, along with several countries in the region, the Vietnamese Navy has actively invested in building its submarine warfare capabilities in recent years, and submarines built by Russia are a priority for acquisition.

According to this author, in 2017, the Vietnamese Navy commissioned the last two of the six Kilo 636-class diesel-electric submarines ordered from Russia under a 2009 agreement worth over $2 billion.

Graphic illustration of a Vietnamese-built submarine rescue vessel.

Along with purchasing ships, Vietnam is also seeking to build its own vessels, not only for rescue operations, but also for oceanographic research and survey activities.

Notably, on May 24th, in Hai Phong, Vietnam held the keel-laying ceremony for its first submarine rescue vessel. This vessel (classified as a multi-purpose submarine rescue and research vessel - MSSARS), designated MSSARS 9316, was built by the Z189 Shipyard.

Expert Parameswaran believes that Z189 has experience cooperating in and building many types of modern naval vessels according to orders from many other countries in the past. It will take some time before the ship is ready for operation, and only then can we assess how Vietnam will use it.

In the future, the mission of MSSARS 9316 may not be limited to submarine rescue operations, but may also include oceanographic surveys, research, and seabed mapping, according to expert Parameswaran.

To fulfill its mission, the MSSARS 9316 boasts extremely impressive specifications. Specifically, the ship is 93 m long; 16 m wide; 5.85 m high at the sides; has a crew of 113; and a full-load displacement of 3,950 tons. The construction is expected to take 27 months.

The vessel is also equipped with a powerful propulsion system and various other devices to ensure operation in conditions up to wind force 9 and wave level 12, enabling it to conduct underwater search and rescue operations.