Carl Thayer of the Australian Defence Force Academy is of the view that this move represents a significant shift beyond routine anti-ship tactics noting that Vietnam now possesses a much more potent deterrent that would complicate China's strategic calculations adding that he was surprised by the decision. Īccording to military experts and analysts in the region, Vietnam's decision to equip its submarine fleet with land attack missiles is a clear indication of its determination to counter China's increasing military strength and assertiveness. The VPN's Kilo submarines are a variant of another Project 636 submarine, otherwise known as the "Improved Kilo.". ![]() ![]() The submarines can operate continuously for 45 days with a crew of 52, including 39 sailors and 13 officers. The range is 7,500 nautical miles when snorkeling at 7 knots and 400 nautical miles when submerged at 3 knots. They can travel at speeds of 11 knots when surfaced and 20 knots when submerged. They have a maximum diving depth of 300m, an operational depth of 250m, and a periscope diving depth of 17.5m. When surfaced, Vietnamese Kilo submarines have a displacement of 2,350 tons, which increases to 4,000 tons when submerged. The Kilo submarine is a diesel-electric powered submarine known as an "SSK" in the US Navy, which stands for "submarine" and "hunter-killer." It has a reputation for being able to stealthily approach aircraft carriers without being detected. ![]() The Russian-made Kilo submarine has been proved to be notoriously difficult to detect, thereby earning the nickname "black hole" from the US Navy. The largest submarine fleet in ASEAN belongs to the VPN with its six Kilo-class submarines.
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