Vympel Shipyard to support Vietnamese missile boats

Vietnam's production of Project 12418 Molniya missile boats, under Russian licence, is to receive assistance from Vympel shipyard.

The shipyard will produce and deliver the components for the first six Molniya Class missile boats to Vietnam, which is being technically supervised by Almaz Design Bureau and JSC Vympel Shipbuilding Plant.

The 35.45m-long boats have a displacement capacity of 127.3t, accommodate 12 personnel and can cruise at speeds of up to 50kt.

Deliveries under the $30m contract will run through 2016.

The contract also includes an option for other four such boats, according to Shipbuilding Tribune.