Type 022-class (Houbei)

The Type 022 (NATO designation: Houbei class) is a catamaran missile boat operated by the People’s Liberation Army Navy. Development followed a shift in Chinese naval strategy toward offshore operations, creating a requirement for fast attack craft with improved seakeeping. The design originated from the AMD 350 catamaran hull and was developed by Seabus International, a joint venture between AMD Marine Consulting and China State Shipbuilding Corporation. Production followed an unsuccessful attempt by China to purchase Tarantul-class corvettes from Russia. The prototype launched from Shanghai in 2004, and construction occurred at six shipyards through 2009.

The vessel utilizes an aluminum wave-piercing catamaran hull constructed with friction stir welding. The design incorporates radar cross section-reduction features, including a faceted turret for its primary gun. Propulsion is provided by diesel engines and waterjet propulsors. Onboard sensors, including surface search radar and an optronic director, are limited to line-of-sight range; however, tactical data links allow the class to coordinate engagements using third-party targeting data. The aluminum hull and operational speed are intended to mitigate threats from torpedoes using magnetic detonators. Later units included a man-portable surface-to-air missile launcher on the bridge.

The class entered service in 2004 and remains active. Boats typically deploy in squadrons of eight. In operational exercises, units have performed coordinated missile strikes using external targeting data. Assigned missions include coastal defense, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and supporting operations outside territorial waters. In 2025, reports indicated Indonesian interest in acquiring the design.