Seeking to sustain and expand its training and education capabilities, the Type 053H3 frigates of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) have recently participated in naval exercises, acting as training ships in anticipation of their replacement by more modern units, making the most of their final years of operational service. According to information circulated in local media of the Asian Giant, the detachment was composed of the frigates Huludao (565) and Yichang (564), which, along with Zheng He (specifically designed as a training vessel), conducted maritime combat exercises at an undisclosed location.
The Chinese Navy has been undergoing a modernization process for several years, focusing on more advanced combat platforms and extended, long-range deployments. Within this framework, one of the classes currently transitioning is the Type 053 frigates, which are being replaced by the more modern Type 054A and Type 054B. This class, now outdated for China’s current naval needs—focused on defending and securing its maritime territories—has found its last role in being used as training and education ships for future personnel.
The Type 053H3 variant was built by the Hudong shipyard under “Project 057,” which included a total of ten frigates that entered service during the 1990s and 2000s as a continuation of the Type 053H2G class. Some of their key features include a displacement of 2,250 tons, a length of 112 meters, a beam of 12.4 meters, and a draft of 4.3 meters, with the capacity to accommodate 168 crew members. In terms of propulsion, these frigates feature a combined diesel-diesel (CODAD) system that optimizes operational efficiency based on mission requirements. Additionally, they have a helicopter platform and a hangar located at the stern.
The frigates’ original armament consisted of eight YJ-83 surface-to-surface missiles housed in four-cell launchers, as well as a turret equipped with two PJ33A 100mm cannons, triple-tube torpedo launchers, and two Type 3200 six-tube anti-submarine torpedo launchers.
Various sources indicate that a mid-life upgrade was performed, including the replacement of the radar suite and electronic warfare support measures (ESM) with systems similar to those found on Type 054 frigates, the replacement of HQ-7 missiles with the short-range HHQ-10 air defense missile, and the substitution of the four Type 76A 37mm cannons with two new Type 630 30mm CIWS, similar to the Gryazev-Shipunov AO-18K. Of the total number of frigates, two were sold to the Bangladesh Navy, where they were designated Umar Farooq.
Although the class’s activities have decreased in recent years, this latest appearance of Huludao (565) and Yichang (564) saw the Chinese Navy assessing crew readiness to respond to emergencies. Exercises also included live-fire drills, underway replenishment, damage control support for other vessels, and towing of disabled ships. Beyond their original purpose, in this new stage, these frigates will serve as platforms for training naval cadets who will operate more modern combat ships in the future.
Cover image used for illustration purposes.
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