With a substantial package of acquisitions and support agreements, Vietnam and India are set to strengthen their naval cooperation. Vietnam’s intention to purchase fourteen high-speed patrol boats and three to four Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) from India is at the center of this initiative.
The $500 million line of credit that India provided during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s previous visit to Vietnam is facilitating these purchases. OPVs and patrol boats are the main components of the $300 million worth of projects that have already been identified.
A significant step in bilateral defense industrial cooperation, the final number of OPVs will depend on submitted costs. It is possible that some of these vessels would be constructed in Vietnam under technology transfer agreements.
Vietnam will be the first significant foreign client of the OPVs, marking a significant milestone for India. For its Navy and Coast Guard, India has constructed and operated a number of OPVs; the Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) class is presently being developedThese ships are ideal for Vietnam’s needs in the South China Sea because they are built for long patrols, surveillance, and maritime security operations.
The purchase demonstrates Vietnam’s desire to diversify its naval hardware suppliers and bolster its maritime deterrence stance.
In contrast, the patrol boats are anticipated to be comparable to the twelve High Speed Guard Boats that India transferred in 2022 as part of a $100 million credit line. These 35-meter-long ships were constructed in part at the Hong Ha Shipyard in Vietnam and in part at the shipyard of Larsen & Toubro in India.
The majority of the new batch of fourteen patrol boats will probably be built in Vietnam, increasing local shipbuilding capability and promoting tighter industrial cooperation. Due to their ability to respond quickly in littoral seas, these swift vessels will be essential for Vietnam’s border guard and coastal security operations.
.The remaining $200 million of the credit line is designated for submarine battery purchases and ship upgrades for the Vietnam Navy, in addition to new purchases. This illustrates a well-rounded strategy of introducing new platforms while updating existing materials.
Additionally, India has provided maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) support for Vietnam’s Kilo-class submarines and Su-30 fighter aircraft, both of which are essential parts of Vietnam’s armed forces. In line with Vietnam’s overarching plan to diversify defense alliances, this support will guarantee ongoing operational preparedness and lessen reliance on Russian facilities.
There have already been noticeable advancements in India’s naval cooperation with Vietnam. The Vietnam Navy received India’s Khukri-class corvette INS Kirpan in July 2023 and designated it as HQ-26. India’s readiness to share front-line resources with reliable partners was demonstrated by this transfer.
The OPV and patrol boat agreements now increase Vietnam’s fleet with adaptable vessels appropriate for coastal defense, interdiction, and surveillance, building on that precedence. To further expand the area of cooperation, India has also offered its Akash surface-to-air missile system.Indian cultural excursions
These events demonstrate the two countries’ increasing cooperation in marine security. Vietnam bolsters its naval capabilities with tested platforms, while India’s shipbuilding sector acquires its first significant export client for OPVs.
Long-term self-reliance is facilitated by the technology transfer and local construction components, which guarantee that Vietnam’s shipyards acquire important knowledge. When taken as a whole, these programs strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and India and highlight their mutual dedication to preserving Indo-Pacific stability.
