A national flag raising ceremony for Vietnam's first two submarines, coded HQ-182 Hanoi and HQ-183 Ho Chi Minh City, was held at the Cam Ranh port in Khanh Hoa province on April 3rd.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung handing over national flags to representatives of the two submarines. (Photo: tienphong.vn)

Admiral Nguyen Van Hien handing over naval flag to the submarines' representatives. (Photo: tienphong.vn)

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and Admiral Nguyen Van Hien, Deputy Minister of National Defence and Commander of the Navy, presented the national and naval flags to staff of the two submarines.

Addressing the ceremony, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said that the event marked an important milestone in the development of the Vietnam People’s Navy in particular, and the Vietnam People’s Army in general. He said that the six diesel-powered 636 Varshavyanka (Kilo)-class submarines purchased from Russia, along with other relevant forces, would contribute to defending national sovereignty.

He urged the troops to fully master the submarines to turn the Vietnam People’s Navy into the key force in firmly protecting the national sovereignty over sea and islands in the new context.

The submarines, built at Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg, Russia, can operate at a maximum depth of 300m and at a range of 9,600km for 45 days and nights with 52 crew members. The submarine’s engine is the most quiet one in the world and is the best choice for reconnaissance and patrols.

Source: qdnd.vn