Type 022-class (Houbei)

The Type 22 missile boat entered service with the People's Liberation Army Navy in 2004, with the first unit launched in April of that year. The class was developed as a modern successor to older fast attack craft, such as the Type 037-II and C 14-class missile boats. Production of the Type 22 continued for approximately seven years, resulting in a large flotilla of these specialized vessels. The design aligns with a global trend toward small, heavily armed, and stealthy attack craft.

This vessel class is distinguished by its wave-piercing catamaran hull, a design that enhances stability and maintains speed in high sea states compared to conventional monohulls. Its superstructure is characterized by polygonal shaping and an angled gun mount, features intended to reduce the vessel's radar cross-section. The hull is constructed from aluminum. The propulsion system consists of two diesel engines driving four waterjet propulsors, granting the craft exceptional speed and maneuverability, including the ability to execute a 360-degree turn on the spot. Its offensive capabilities are centered on eight anti-ship missiles, supplemented by a 30 mm gun and the potential for short-range air defense missiles. The boat is equipped with surface search and navigational radars, an electro-optics system, and an advanced C4 datalink that allows for coordination with other assets such as aircraft or surface ships for targeting.

Eighty-two Type 22 missile boats are currently in service, organized into three flotillas. These flotillas are further divided into squadrons, each typically comprising eight vessels. The primary tactical doctrine for the Type 22 class is the use of hit-and-run tactics. This approach involves leveraging the craft's high speed to rapidly approach a target, launch its full complement of anti-ship missiles, and then egress from the area at speed to avoid retaliation. Some vessels in the class have been observed with disruptive camouflage patterns applied to their hulls.