BPS-500 is a class of guided-missile corvette of the Vietnam People's Navy, built in Vietnam based on a Russian design. The first vessel, Ship 381, was laid down in 1998 with weapons and equipment imported from Russia and remained the sole ship of the class until 2025. In 2025, Vietnam commenced construction of the second vessel, designated A2, featuring entirely domestic electronics and weaponry systems. Development Vietnam began a program to modernize its military equipment in the mid-1990s following further territorial disputes in the South China Sea with China. One aspect of the program was to develop domestic production and repair capability. Russia agreed to supply or co-produce small warships and missiles; In 1996, Russia and Vietnam agreed to co-produce the BPS-500; this may have been a part of or related to a cooperative military shipbuilding or program called KBO-2000.
BPS-500 was designed by the Severnoye Design Bureau. Two were ordered and Russia supplied two kits to the Ba Son Shipyard. HQ 381 was built with modular technology, launched in June 1998 and became operational in late-2001; it was the first missile boat produced in Vietnam. No more were produced as the ship did not meet requirements or more advanced ships became available. The pump-jets raised construction and maintnenace costs and had poor performance at low speed. The hull had insufficient seakeeping for long-range operations. There may also have been software and control system problems.
Severnoye was contracted to assist overhauling and upgrading the ship in 2013 and 2017.
Description BPS-500 is an improved Pauk-class corvette. Angled surfaces reduce radar cross section. The pump-jets with directional nozzles have better maneuverability in shallow waters and generate less noise than propellers.
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