Type 056 Research Notes (Patreon)

The Type 056 corvette is a class of small warship designed and built by China for coastal defense and offshore operations. It is one of the most numerous classes of warships in the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), with over 80 units in service as of 2021.

The Type 056 corvette has a displacement of around 1,500 tons and measures about 90 meters in length. It is armed with a variety of weapons, including a 76mm main gun, anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles, torpedoes, and a close-in weapons system (CIWS) for defense against incoming missiles and aircraft. The ship also has a helicopter landing pad and hangar, allowing it to operate a single medium-sized helicopter for maritime patrol and search and rescue missions.

In terms of sensors and electronics, the Type 056 corvette is equipped with a modern combat management system, radar, sonar, and communications equipment, enabling it to detect and engage threats in the maritime environment.

Overall, the Type 056 corvette is an important asset for China's maritime defense strategy, providing a capable and cost-effective platform for a range of missions, including maritime patrol, anti-piracy, and escort operations.

The design was broadly based on the Pattani class built for Thailand in 2005–06. Series production at four shipyards delivered 22 Type 056 and 50 Type 056A hulls. In late 2021 it was reported that all earlier Jiangdao (Type 056) units not equipped with a VDS would be transferred to the Coast Guard. The modifications under way, as seen on the vessel with the hull number 511, include the removal of missile (YJ-83, anti-ship and air defence system) and torpedo launchers. LED panels to display messages added to the port and starboard sides of the superstructure as well as water cannons. Specifications are based on vessels operated by the PLAN and may be different. According to several sources, transfer of 22 Type 056 corvettes to the Chinese CG was completed.

The ASW Type 056A variant equipped with towed array and variable depth sonar (VDS), appeared in November 2013. A further modified Type 056A variant with updated ESM/ECM fit was observed in 2019.

Four modified ships (C13B) for Bangladesh were delivered in 2016–20. Two more lightly armed variants (P18N class) to Nigeria in 2014. A derivative design corvette built for Algeria by 2023.