Corvette
Type 056 corvette
The Type 056 (NATO: Jiangdao class) is a Chinese light corvette of about 1,500 t built by Hudong-Zhonghua, Wuchang and Huangpu yards and in service since 2013. Around 79 ships have been built, including exports to Bangladesh, Nigeria and Algeria.
China|Hudong-Zhonghua & Wuchang & HuangpuOverview
The Type 056 was designed for littoral patrol and anti-submarine work, with the first ship commissioned in 2013. It displaces about 1,500 t, is 90 m long and reaches 25 knots, with a range of around 3,500 nm and a crew of 78. Armament is a 76 mm gun, YJ-83 anti-ship missiles, HHQ-10 short-range air-defence missiles and anti-submarine torpedoes. There is no hangar. The Type 056A, from 2016, added a variable-depth sonar for better anti-submarine capability.
About 72 ships (22 Type 056 and 50 Type 056A) serve with the PLA Navy, and about 79 have been built including exports. At peak, production reached roughly one ship every two months, among the fastest rates in naval history. Exports include four C13B Shadhinota-class ships for Bangladesh (2016 and 2020), two larger P18N patrol ships for Nigeria (2015–2016) and one for Algeria (2023); Cambodia has two under construction. Rivals include the Karakurt and Turkey’s Ada-class.
Key Specifications
Variants
The Type 056 is the original Jiangdao-class corvette with a 76 mm gun, YJ-83 missiles and HHQ-10 air defence.
The Type 056A is the improved version from 2016 with a variable-depth sonar for anti-submarine warfare.
The export Type 056 versions include Bangladesh’s C13B and Nigeria’s larger P18N patrol ships.
Operators
China
Bangladesh
Nigeria
AlgeriaFrequently Asked Questions
How many Type 056 corvettes are there?
About 79 Type 056 corvettes have been built, including exports. Around 72 serve with the PLA Navy, split between 22 Type 056 and 50 Type 056A, according to compiled public data.
Which countries use the Type 056 corvette?
China, Bangladesh, Nigeria and Algeria operate the Type 056 or its export versions. Bangladesh has four, Nigeria two and Algeria one, while Cambodia has two under construction.
What weapons does the Type 056 carry?
The Type 056 carries a 76 mm gun, YJ-83 anti-ship missiles, HHQ-10 short-range air-defence missiles and anti-submarine torpedoes. It has no hangar for a helicopter, and the 056A adds a variable-depth sonar.
How big is the Type 056 corvette?
The Type 056 displaces about 1,500 t and is 90 m long, with a speed of 25 knots. Its range is about 3,500 nm and the crew is 78. It is smaller than the Type 054A frigate.
Type 056 vs Karakurt: which is better?
The Type 056 is larger at 1,500 t and is focused on patrol and anti-submarine work, while the Russian Karakurt is a smaller 870 t ship with an 8-cell launcher for Kalibr cruise missiles. Their roles differ.
Why did China build so many Type 056 corvettes?
China built roughly one Type 056 every two months at peak to fill out its coastal patrol and anti-submarine force. The simple design allowed series production across several yards, one of the fastest naval build rates in history.