1st kilo-class submarine arrives in Vietnam   The Kilo HQ-182 Hanoi submarine docks at Cam Ranh military port on Jan. 1, 2014. Tuoi Tre Hanoi HQ 182, the first of six Kilo-class submarines that Vietnam contracted to buy from Russia in 2009, on Tuesday evening arrived in Cam Ranh military port where it will be delivered to Vietnam’s Navy. The kilo-class submarine was transported from St. Petersburg, Russia by a heavy-lift vessel Rolldock Sea. It could take a few days to transport the Hanoi HQ 182 submarine from Rolldock Sea to the place where it will anchor, according to Hoang Minh Si, chairman of a local navigation company. Rolldock Sea is protected by some navy ships, Tuoi Tre on-the-scene reporter said on January 1. In 2009, Vietnam’s Defense Ministry ordered six Varshavyanka-class submarines due for delivery until 2016. The Kilo HQ-182 Hanoi submarine was built in Admiralty Verfi Shipyards in St. Petersburg and had been tested near Svetlyi port in Kaliningrad. It is among the six Kilo-class submarines covered in a contract Vietnam signed with Russia during Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s visit to the country in 2009. Delivery of Hanoi HQ 182 will be followed by two of her sister subs slated for completion and transport next year. The submarines, which have successfully undergone more than 20 test dives, have a displacement of 3,000-3,950 tons each, can operate at a maximum depth of 300 meters and at a range of 6,000-7,500 nautical miles for 45 days and nights, and carry a crew of 52. According to Naval Today, the 3,100-ton submarines are described as almost undetectable when submerged. They boast of cutting-edge stealth technology and can engage targets both on land, surface and underwater. The subs are armed with Kalibr 3M54 cruise missiles and 533-mm torpedo tubes and can reach a speed of 20 knots. It is believed that the submarines, with the quietest engine in the world, are the best choice for reconnaissance and patrols. On May 13, 2013, during his official visit to Russia, Prime Minister Dung paid a visit to the submarine, which was then docked at the Port of Kaliningrad.  TUOI TRE