China Launched 9th Type 056 Corvette In 2020

The Type 056 (NATO code name: Jiangdao class) is a class of light frigate designed for patrol, escort, and other general roles in coastal waters. Over 40 hulls in the class have been launched at four shipyards since 2012 for both domestic use and foreign customers. An improved Type 056A with enhanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities was introduced in 2015.

The 9th Type 056 corvette has joined the People Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) since the beginning of 2020. The “Jingdezhen” (617) was admitted to active service in the PLAN East Sea Fleet and assigned to the 16th fleet based in Xiamen.

Jingdezhen (617) Corvette

Construction of this type of corvettes is simultaneously underway at four shipyards: Hudong-Zhonghua in Shanghai, Huangpu Shipyard in Guangzhou, Liaonan Shipyard in Dalian, Wuchang Shipyard in Wuhan.

The PLAN reportedly has plans to build up to 70 Type 056 and 56A corvettes, but has apparently reduced its target to focus more on larger vessels. The construction of Project 056 corvette began in 2012, and is one of the largest fleet in the PLAN. Last year, China launched its 60th Type 056 corvette.

The last corvette commissionned is a variant of called Type 056A specialized in anti-submarine warfare and easily distinguishable thanks to its large opening at the stern for a towed sonar.

The vessel, measuring 88.9 meters in length and 11.14 meters in draft, displaces 1,370 tons full load. Its CODAD propulsion system allows the ship to sail in excess of 25 knots, with an economic endurance of 2,000 nautical miles and a crew of 67 sailors.

On the combat systems side, the ship is fitted with an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) combat and communication suite, ASROC missiles, anti-submarine grenades, light torpedoes and a towed sonar, as well as a H/PJ-26 76mm main gun, two H PJ-17 30mm CIWS and one eight-tube HQ-10 missile launcher.

Type 056 corvettes

This class of corvette is fitted with the modified version of the ZKJ-5 combat and command system. This CMS can be integrated with other command systems of the PLAN, turning the Type 056A into one of the information and combat unit nodes in the “System”. They are replacing several types of patrol ships like the Type 053H “Jiangsu I”.

The procurement cost of ASW variant type 056A corvette is about $102 million at today’s exchange rate, slightly more expensive than the baseline version of the corvette, the Type 056.

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