Vietnam to Buy BrahMos, Patrol Vessels from India
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- Vietnam will procure 3-4 Offshore Patrol Vessels and 14 high-speed patrol boats from India under a $500 million line of credit extended during PM Modi's prior visit
- India's Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East) P Kumaran confirmed $300 million in projects are already identified, with the remaining $200 million being considered for Vietnam Navy ship upgrades and submarine batteries
- India offered maintenance, repair and overhaul support for Vietnam's Su-30 fighters and Kilo-class submarines
- Vietnam would become the first major customer for Indian-built OPVs, with some vessels possibly constructed in Vietnam under technology transfer
- BrahMos talks were confirmed by Kumaran — 'watch this space' — though no final deal is signed; DRDO said BrahMos Aerospace booked two export orders worth ₹4,000 crores ($420 million) for 2025-26
- Vietnam currently operates Russian K-300P Bastion-P and Redut-M missile systems, which BrahMos would complement, and is also developing indigenous subsonic missiles with 80/250/500 km ranges
- India previously handed over 12 High Speed Guard Boats to Vietnam in 2022 and the Khukri-class corvette INS Kirpan (renamed HQ-26) in July 2023
Why it matters: Vietnam becomes the first major export customer for Indian-built OPVs, a milestone for India's domestic shipbuilding on the global defense market. With $300 million of the $500 million credit already tied to specific projects, India is converting financial commitments into concrete defense deliveries, while BrahMos discussions signal a likely next step in missile-system cooperation.
