Vietnam inducts first Russian-made submarine

Vietnam Wednesday inducted its first Russian-made submarine, the first of six diesel-powered Kilo-636 Varshavyanka attacking models that the country bought from Russia to enhance its navy's capacity.

On the occasion, a ceremony was held at Cam Ranh port in Vietnamese province of Khanh Hoa to induct its first Russian-made Kilo class submarine, the HQ 182- Hanoi, into service, Xinhua reported.

Deputy Defence Minister and Navy Commander Admiral Nguyen Van Hien said the crew of the submarine should be deeply aware of their political missions and targets.

According to Vietnam's state-run news agency VNA, Captain Nguyen Van Quan said the sailors will work very hard to make effective use of this modern submarine.

Having a displacement of 3,000-3,950 tonnes, the 73.8-meter- long submarine can operate at a maximum depth of 300 metres and at a range of 6,000-7,500 nautical miles for 45 days and nights with 52 crewmembers, the report said.