Type 053H3-class (Jiangwei II)
Chinese frigate, introduced in 1998, has a displacement of 2,393 tons. Key figures: displacement 2,393 tons, length 112 m, top speed 28 knots, crew 168, built 10. In service with 2 navies — China (8), Bangladesh (2).
| Subtype | Frigate |
| Displacement | 2393 tons |
| Crew | 168 members |
| Width | 12.4 m (40.7 ft) |
| Length | 112.0 m (367.5 ft) |
| Propulsion | CODAD, 2 shaft, 2 x 18E390VA diesel at 23,600 hp (17,600 kW) and 2 x MTU diesel at 8,715 hp (6,499 kW) |
| Range | 5,000 nm at 18 knots |
| Endurance | 21 days |
| Maximum speed | 28 knots |
- 8 × YJ-83 SSM in 2 x 4-cell box launchers
- 1 × 8-cell HQ-7 surface-to-air missile system (replaced with 1 x 8-cell HQ-10 on PLA ships)
- 1 × H/PJ-33B dual 100 mm gun (automatic)
- 4 × Type 76A dual 37 mm AA guns (replaced with 2 x Type 630 30mm guns on PLA ships)
- 2 × 6-tube Type 3200 ASW rocket launchers (36 rockets)
- 2 × DC racks & launcher
- Harbin Z-9C
Description
The Type 053H3, designated by NATO as the Jiangwei II class, is a series of frigates built for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). The class was developed as a successor to the Type 053H2G to address requirements for improved air defense, specifically replacing the HQ-61B surface-to-air missile system with the HQ-7. Ten vessels were constructed by Hudong and Huangpu shipyards between 1996 and 2005.
The class utilizes a Combined Diesel and Diesel (CODAD) propulsion configuration. Design features include an aviation hangar for a Harbin Z-9C helicopter and a revised armament layout compared to the preceding Type 053H2, including elevated aft gun mounts. Electronic and processing systems consist of the ZKJ-3C combat data system, Type 360 surface search radar, and Type 517H-1 long-range air search radar. Fire control is managed through the Type 343GA, Type 345, and Type 347G radars.
Beginning in 2015, ships remaining in Chinese service underwent mid-life modernization. These upgrades included the installation of HHQ-10 short-range air defense missiles in place of the HQ-7 and the replacement of Type 76A anti-aircraft guns with Type 630 close-in weapon systems. Radar and electronic warfare suites were also updated with technologies utilized on the Type 054 class.
Operational deployment is centered within the PLAN Surface Force, specifically the East Sea and North Sea Fleets. Several units have been transitioned to training duties. In 2020, the PLAN sold the vessels formerly known as Lianyungang and Putian to the Bangladesh Navy, which operates them as BNS Umar Farooq and BNS Abu Ubaidah. The design also served as the basis for the Zulfiquar-class frigates operated by the Pakistan Navy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of ship is the Type 053H3-class?
What is the displacement of the Type 053H3-class?
What is the maximum speed of the Type 053H3-class?
What is the range of the Type 053H3-class?
How many crew members serve on the Type 053H3-class?
How many Type 053H3-class ships have been built?
Which countries operate the Type 053H3-class?
- APR 72026 Updated Description updated in a site-wide editorial pass
- JAN 182026 Updated Endurance added; type, manufacturer and 8 more fields updated