Le Thi Thu Hang, Spokesperson of Vietnam’s Foreign Ministry put it during the periodic news conference on Sep 22: “The Gerpard-class frigate transfering to Vietnam is as part of Vietnam – Russia sovereign defense cooperation’s framework, which to meet the Vietnam’s demand in national security defense”.

Gepard-class frigate

According to some foreign media sources, Russia is expected to deliver first Gepard-class frigate to Vietnam in September as part of its plan to supply two frigates by year end.
According to the ships' manufacturer, Zelenodolsk Shipyard, Vietnam will receive two Russian Gepard-class (Project 1166.1) frigates by the end of the year, Sputnik news reported on April.
"The first ship will be delivered in September as it has already completed trials.” Zelenodolsk Shipyard General Director Renat Mistakhov said. However, the second is just starting trials, we will hand it over to the client in November or December this year," Mistakhov said. Both frigates are currently undergoing firing trials at a Black Sea naval training range.
Vietnam ordered this batch of vessels in 2011 and they were laid down the following year and construction proceeded on schedule despite Ukraine's refusal to supply components in 2016. The Vietnamese navy received in March and August 2011 two Gepard 3.9-class frigates ordered in 2006, built in Russia at Tatarstan's Gorky Shipbuilding Plant, according to Sputnik news.
The Gepard 3.9 is an export version of Project 1166.1 frigates. It is equipped to engage enemy aircraft, ships and submarines, as well as conduct escort missions, patrol and support landing and mine-laying missions.