Gepard 3.9-class Frigate

The Gepard 3.9 is a Russian-export light guided-missile frigate. Vietnam's four vessels (HQ-011 to HQ-016) carry Uran-E anti-ship missiles, a 76mm gun, and are capable of limited ASW operations. Designed for patrol, anti-ship, and anti-aircraft missions in coastal waters.

Vietnam ordered two in 2006 (delivered 2011), and two more anti-submarine-optimized variants in 2012 (delivered 2016-2017). The Gepard class gives Vietnam a credible sea-denial capability in the South China Sea. Vietnam has expressed interest in additional units or a follow-on frigate design.