Vietnam is implementing a modernization program for its Project 159 Petya anti-submarine vessels so that they can continue to protect the country's maritime territories and islands.
 |
| The Project 159 Petya anti-submarine warfare (ASW) vessel is one of the best anti-submarine warships currently in service with the Vietnam People's Navy. At least five of these ships were supplied by the Soviet Union in the 1980s. However, most of these ships were built using 1960s technology, and are therefore considered unsuitable for modern warfare. Furthermore, their long service life has led to the degradation of many components, affecting their combat effectiveness. (Image source: QPVN Channel) |
 |
| Therefore, the need to modernize the Petya-class anti-submarine frigates is very urgent. Surprisingly, instead of ordering assistance from foreign partners, Vietnam is entirely self-reliant in upgrading and modernizing these anti-submarine vessels. Specifically, according to the People's Army Newspaper Online, in recent years, the General Staff of the General Department of Engineering has been coordinating with the Navy to improve and modernize the Project 159AE Petya anti-submarine vessels (Vietnam has two 159AE and three 159A vessels, differing in anti-submarine weapons). Image source: QPVN Channel |
 |
| However, details of the upgrades were not disclosed. Nevertheless, some images in a report on the 171st Brigade (Naval Region 2) produced by the Vietnam National Defense Channel show clear changes in equipment on the Petya-class anti-submarine ships. (Image source: Vietnam National Defense Channel) |
 |
| Specifically, modern radar display screens have been seen on the anti-submarine frigate 159 Petya. (Image source: QPVN Channel) |
 |
| Clearly, the color screen displaying radar waves is much more intuitive and vivid than the old radar wave display technology shown in the image. Image source: QPVN Channel |
 |
| This means that the 159AE anti-submarine vessels have received a new type of radar, which has been integrated by the Navy itself. (Image source: QPVN Channel) |
 |
| In terms of firepower, Project 159A/AE Petya frigates have traditionally only had close-range anti-aircraft gun fire against both sea and air targets. Specifically, both Petya A/AE versions are equipped with two twin 76.2mm AK-726 gun mounts. Image source: QPVN Channel |
 |
| Additionally, two of the five Petya A/AE vessels, whose sonar (submarine detection system) was damaged in an accident, were converted into anti-aircraft gunboats with the addition of twin-barreled 37mm V-11M gun mounts and 25mm guns. (Image source: QPVN Channel) |
 |
| In a modern war, anti-aircraft guns alone are insufficient to protect ships from airborne threats. (Image source: QPVN Channel) |
 |
| Therefore, it is likely that at least one or both Project 159AE ships have been upgraded to carry anti-aircraft missiles. The image shows an anti-aircraft missile launcher on the Petya-class ship. (Image source: QPVN Channel) |
 |
| A missile launcher operator is practicing targeting aerial targets. (Image source: QPVN Channel) |
 |
| Besides these items, it is currently unclear whether Vietnam has upgraded its submarine detection sonar, but the 533mm torpedoes (on Project 159AE ships) remain unchanged. Image source: QPVN Channel |
According to Kienthuc.net.vn
