Vietnam receives first Russian-made submarine

A heavy lift vessel carrying Vietnam' s first Russian-made submarine arrived at the Cam Ranh port in south Vietnam late Tuesday after a one-and-a half-month voyage from Russia's St. Petersburg. The diesel powered submarine named Hanoi is the first of six 636 Kilo-class submarines that Vietnam buys from Russia to modernize its navy, reported Vietnam's official news agency on Wednesday. The submarines are being built at Admiralty Verfi Shipyards in St. Petersburg. The submarine has an over 3000-ton displacement, and is able to operate at a maximum depth of 300 meters and at a range of 6,000-7, 500 nautical miles for 45 days and nights with 52 crew members. It is the best choice for reconnaissance and patrol. The event of receiving the first Kilo submarine drew great attention in Vietnam. "I feel very happy. From now on, Vietnamese army will have a stronger capacity to protect the country,"a reader named Hai told the Youth online newspaper. By January 3, all the attached equipment of the submarine will be unloaded before it is released into the sea.