Type 056-class (Jiangdao)

The Type 056 (NATO reporting name: Jiangdao-class) is a class of littoral combat corvettes developed for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) to replace Type 037 patrol craft and select Type 053H frigates. Built between 2012 and 2021 at the Hudong-Zhonghua, Huangpu Wenchong, Wuchang, and Liaonan shipyards, the design potentially utilizes the hull form of the Pattani-class offshore patrol vessels.

Design characteristics include anti-radar features and a hull optimized for green-water littoral duties rather than blue-water combat operations. The basic Type 056 variant utilizes air and surface search radars, fire control radars, and bow-mounted sonar. The Type 056A sub-class incorporates additional anti-submarine warfare (ASW) equipment, specifically a towed array and variable depth sonar. While the class includes a flight deck capable of supporting a Z-9 medium-lift helicopter, the standard design does not include a hangar.

The PLAN commissioned 22 Type 056 and 50 Type 056A vessels. From mid-2021 to January 2023, the PLAN transferred the 22 original Type 056 units to the China Coast Guard. Following this transfer, the PLAN renumbered its remaining Type 056A ships into the 600-series pennant range. Coast Guard units feature structural modifications, including davits and raised forward superstructures, to support maritime law enforcement missions.

Export variants are in service with multiple navies. The Bangladesh Navy operates four C13B units, known as the Shadhinota-class. The Nigerian Navy operates two P18N offshore patrol vessels; unlike the standard PLAN configuration, the P18N variant includes a helicopter hangar and an oil support recovery system. Algeria received one F-15A variant in 2023 and has announced plans for local production of the class. Two enlarged Type 056C corvettes were built for the Royal Cambodian Navy. The first, Konkopd Senchey, arrived at Ream Naval Base on 4 April 2026 and was handed over on 8 April; the second was reported around seventy per cent complete with delivery planned for June 2026.