Submarine 186, one of the six Kilo-class submarines Viet Nam bought from Russia, is now under the management by the Vietnamese Navy’s Submarine Brigade 189. The submarine, over the past times, has effectively implemented its challenging yet honourable tasks on training, combat readiness, and synergising with other relevant forces to firmly protect the country's sovereignty over its sea and islands.

Da Nang Party Committee Secretary Nguyen Van Quang (third from right) warmly receives the delegation of representatives from the Vietnamese Navy’s Submarine Brigade 189, Submarine 186 - Da Nang, January 2021. Photo: NGUYEN THANH HUNG

The submarine was built under a deal signed during the 2009 visit to Russia by the Vietnamese Prime Minister. Building of the HQ-186 Da Nang started on 1 July 2013, and it was delivered to the Viet Nam People's Navy in 2016.

According to unwritten rules, in many countries submarines are named either after their large cities or famous people. The six submarines in this deal are coded HQ-182 Ha Noi, HQ-183 Ho Chi Minh City, HQ-184 Hai Phong, HQ-185 Khanh Hoa, HQ-186 Da Nang, and HQ-187 Ba Ria Vung Tau.

Developed by Russia’s Rubin Central Marine Design Bureau, the HQ-186 Da Nang and the 5 remaining submarines are diesel-electric powered. They are described in the West as “black holes in the ocean” for their low level of noise which makes detection difficult.

The submarines feature advanced technology in their periscopes, accumulators, sound-absorbing tiles and life-sustaining equipment for crew members, and they have greater firepower than previous submarines.

They are equipped with modern weapons to facilitate the expansion of the scale of attack and enhance their ability to destroy military targets.

They are ideally suited to surveillance, patrol and reconnaissance tasks. In addition, they boast anti-aircraft and anti-submarine warfare systems which can be used to protect naval bases, coastal areas and sea routes.

Over the years, naval officers and sailors onboard the Submarine 186 have always upheld the high sense of responsibilities and maintained a strong political will and high determination.

During performing their tasks on Viet Nam’s territorial waters, the crew members have always shown their solid political bravery with a special spirit of solidarity, high independence and ability to endure hardships and overcome challenges and difficulties.

Facing harsh working environment, all of them strictly abide by the work disciplines, calmly, confidently handle all unexpected situations, ensure absolute safety and excellently complete missions.

Till date, Submarine 186 - Da Nang has firmly mastered the exploitation, operation and control of submarines. It has joined many-day marine journeys, conquered very tough courses on new and complex training grounds.

The crew members of Submarine 186 have raised vigilance and readiness to defeat any plots and acts infringing upon the national sovereignty of the sea and islands.

Given its outstanding performances at work, Submarine 186 has always been one of the leading naval units in patriotic emulation movements as well as a bright example in fulfilling tasks in mastering the use of new and modern weapons and equipment assigned by the Vietnamese Navy’s Submarine Brigade 189.

It has recognised as a strong and comprehensive naval unit, making contributions to improving the synergy and combat readiness of the Vietnamese submarine force.

Over the past time, the crew members of Submarine 186 have received kind support and great encouragement from the Da Nang authorities and residents. This has motivated all of them to do their utmost to master sub techniques, conquer the ocean to make more development strides in the time ahead.  

It is worth praising that, every year, the officers and sailors presented gifts to policy families across the city. During the COVID-19 outbreak in Da Nang in 2020, with their affection and responsibility towards the community, they also made donations to the city’s coronavirus prevention and control missions.

In the coming time, the crew members of Submarine 186 will continue to do their best to overcome difficulties, successfully complete all assigned tasks, and contribute to firmly protecting the national sovereignty over sea and islands and the sacred continental shelf, thus deserving the trust, expectations and precious affection of the Submarine Brigade 189, and the Da Nang government and people.

Brigade 189 was founded in June 20, 2011 and is based in Cam Ranh Naval Base in the central province of Khanh Hoa. It is in charge of operating the diesel-powered 636 Varshavyanka (kilo)-class submarines that Vietnam in 2009 inked deals to buy from Russia to enhance the country's capacity to defend its territorial waters.

Reporting by NGUYEN THANH HUNG – Translating by A.T