Type 053H frigateHuai'an in Shanghai, 2012
Class overview
Builders	Hudong Shipyard Jiangnan Shipyard
Operators	People's Liberation Army NavySurface Force  Royal Thai Navy  Bangladesh Navy  Egyptian Navy  Myanmar Navy
Preceded by	Type 065 frigate
Succeeded by	Type 053H2G frigate inPeople's Liberation Army Navy Naresuan class inRoyal Thai Navy
Subclasses	Type 053H [zh] Type 053H1 [zh] Type 053H2 [zh] Type 053H1Q Type 053H1G [zh] Type 053K [zh] Najim al Zafir (Egyptian Navy Type 053H) Chao Phraya (Royal Thai Navy Type 053H2)
In service	1974
Completed	14 Type 053H 9 Type 053H1 3 Type 053H2 1 Type 053H1Q 6 Type 053H1G 2 Type 053K 4Chao Phraya (Royal Thai Navy Type 053H2)
Active	China: 3 (2 Type 053H1G, 1 Type 053H1) Bangladesh: 2 (Type 053H2) Thailand: 4 (Type 053H2) Myanmar: 2 (Type 053H1) Egypt: 0 (Excluding all reclassified Coast Guard and training ships)
Retired	25
Preserved	8
General characteristics
Type	Frigate
Displacement	1,700 to 2,000 tons
Length	103 to 112 m
Beam	10 to 12 m
Draught	3 to 4 m
Propulsion	2 to 4diesel engines 16,000 to 22,000 shp
Speed	32 knots (59 km/h)[1]
Range	7408km (4000nm)
Complement	160 to 200
Sensors & processing systems	Type 354 Radar (Eye Shield) 2D air/surface search, I-band Type 352 Radar (Square Tie) surface search fire-control, I-band Type 343 (Wasp Head) fire control radar for main gun, G/H-band Type 341 fire control radar for dualType 76 twin 37 mm AA gun 2 xRacal RM-1290 navigation radars, I-band
Armament	Many variations amongst sub-classes
Aircraft carried	Some carry 1helicopter:Harbin Z-9C

TheType 053 is a family ofChinesefrigates that served with thePeople's Liberation Army Navy Surface Force, and a small number of foreign navies.

Nomenclature for Chinese warships was temporarily changed during theCultural Revolution, and some subclasses gained differentNATO reporting names.

The naming of the Type 053/Type 6601/Type 065 frigates reflected contemporary Chinese political turmoil. The PLAN originally named major surface combatants after geographical areas in China, but this practice was abolished during theCultural Revolution. During that period, most of the third batch of Type 065s were either not named or had their names stripped; ships were referred to only by their hull numbers.^{[citation needed]}

The naming of ships resumed in the latter half of the 1980s. However, by that time the Type 065s were nearing retirement, and the traditional geographic names were given to newer ships. For example,Jinan was allocated to aType 051 destroyer. When the older Type 053/Type 6601/Type 065 were renamed, none received the same one they had held before.^{[citation needed]}

In the 1950s, the Soviets provided China with four kits forRiga-class frigates and four completedGnevny-class destroyers.^[1] These entered PLAN service as the Type 01Chengdu class^[2] and the Type 07Anshan class, respectively.^[3] TheRiga kits were assembled by the Huangpu Shipyard inGuangzhou, and the Hudong Shipyard inShanghai,^[4] from 1955 to 1958. These ships formed the PLAN's backbone in the 1950s and 1960s.^{[citation needed]}

Following theSino-Soviet split and the withdrawal of Soviet aid, theWuhan-based No. 701 Institute began reverse-engineering the Type 01 in 1962. The result was the Type 065.^[5] It was based on the Riga class hull, with theflush deck replaced by a longforecastle. This modification was needed to accommodate a large medium-speed diesel powerplant; the civilian diesel was a substitute for the Riga class' compact high-pressure steam turbine powerplant that the Chinese were unable to replicate. The first Type 065,Haikou (529), was laid down at Huangpu in August 1964 and commissioned by August 1966.^{[citation needed]}

From 1965 to 1967, the No. 701 Institute designed the Type 053K (Kong for air-defence), an air-defence variant of the Type 065. This met a PLAN requirement for air-defence ships to accompany the surface-warfareType 051 destroyers. The Type 053K was originally intended to have three screws powered by acombined gas-turbine and diesel engine, with a speed of 38 knots. However, technical constraints forced the Chinese to settle for a diesel engine, powering two screws for a maximum speed of 30 knots.

The Type 053Ks were armed withHQ-61surface-to-air missiles, launched from two twin-armed launchers; these did not enter service until the mid-1980s. The 100 mm. gun armament was also delayed. This class receivedNATO reporting name asJiangdong class.

Only two Type 053Ks were completed, possibly due to unsatisfactory performance and the long development time for their intended armament.Yingtan (531) was laid down in 1970 and commissioned in 1977, and followed byZhongdong (532).^[6] Both ships were withdrawn from service in 1992, with one scrapped in 1994 and the other preserved as a museum ship.^[7][8][9]

The PLAN retired many older frigates in the 1970s, and the No. 701 Institute developed the Type 053H (Hai for anti-ship) as a replacement. The initial design was armed with fourSY-1 anti-ship missiles in two twin-missile box launchers, two single 100 mm. guns, six twin 37mm guns, depth charges and short-range ASW rockets. The Type 053H received the NATO codenameJianghu-I. The first was constructed by the Hudong Shipyard and entered service in the mid-1970s. At least a dozen were built and entered service with the PLANEast Sea Fleet.^[10]

The Type 053H was improved in four successive subclasses, receiving NATO codenamesJianghu-II throughJianghu-V. The Type 053Hs were succeeded by the PLAN's first multirole frigates, theType 053H2G and Type 053H3 frigates.^[11]

The Type 053H2, NATO codenameJianghu-III, is an improved version of Type 053H1 frigates. Hudong Shipyard built seven hulls for thePeople's Liberation Army Navy (three ships) andRoyal Thai Navy (four ships) between 1985 and 1992. In 2013, two of PLAN Type 053H2 frigates were transferred toBangladesh Navy. Basically, Type 053H2 is an anti-surface warfare (ASuW) frigate for the littoral environment featuring a sophisticated combat management system and enhanced electronic warfare and countermeasures capabilities.^[12]

The Chinese sold the Type 053H, and derivatives to foreign navies.One refurbished Type 053H1 and two Type 053H2 was sold to theBangladesh Navy, with two refurbished Type 053Hs going to theEgyptian Navy. Sonars for these ships are Echo Type 5, a development of EH-5 sonar used on Type 053H2's, adoptingLSIC technology. PLAN also addedType 343 fire control radar for gun. They mountedSilkworm anti-ship missiles.

TheRoyal Thai Navy received four newType 053HTs (based on the then-latest Type 053H2) in the early-1990s. Each cost฿2 billion. Two were modified with rear helicopter decks. The sonar on these ships is SJD-5A, a further development of Echo Type 5 sonars on the same class of ships sold to Egyptian and Bangladesh navies, withVLSIC replacing LSIC.

By the mid-1990s, the Thai Navy again ordered two enlarged Type 053 hulls as the F25TNaresuan-class frigates. The general designer of F25T frigate is Mr. Zhu Yingfu (朱英富).^[13] The F25Ts were fitted with Western engines and armament, and their construction was supervised by technical advisers from the German ship building industry. Sonars on these F25Ts are SO-7H, which is the Chinese version of French DUBA25.^[14]

In 2007, the Type 053H frigates "509" and "510" were transferred to theChina Coast Guard and refitted as Ocean Patrol Vehicles "1002" and "1003". The superstructure was heavily modified. Armament was reduced to a small cannon forward and heavy machine guns; some of freed space was used to stow small patrol boats and add crew quarters.^[15]

One used Type 053H1 frigate was sold to theBangladesh Navy asBNSOsman in 1989. She was the first guided missile frigate to enter in service with the Bangladesh Navy. In 2013, two Type 053H2 frigates were transferred toBangladesh Navy asBNSAbu Bakr andBNSAli Haider respectively.^[16]

In 2012, two Type 053H1 frigates,Anshun (FFG 554) andJishou (FFG 557) were transferred toMyanmar Navy as UMSMahar Bandoola (F-21) and UMSMahar Thiha Thura (F-23) respectively.^[17]

On 11 July 2012, a Type 0531G ship,Dongguan (560), ran aground on ashoal off the coast of thePhilippines. The area where the incident occurred, known as Half Moon Shoal (Hasa Hasa Shoal in the Philippines) in theSpratly Islands is 60 miles west ofRizal, Palawan.^[18] By 15 July the ship had been refloated and was returning to port with no casualty and only minor damage.^[19] Confrontations overterritorial disputes in the South China Sea, and particularly thedisputed status of the Spratly Islands, have become more frequent in recent years, and caused noticeable friction at the 2012ASEAN summit inPhnom Penh that was taking place at the same time as the incident.^[19]

• Type 6601

Four ships were assembled in China from Soviet-supplied kits ofRiga-class frigates. Slightly more heavily armed than the Soviet Riga class (Project 50) it is based on, in that the two twin 25 mm gun mounts on the original Riga class were replaced by a second pair of twin 37 mm gun mounts in theChengdu class. In addition, the original RBU-2500 ASW launchers on the original Riga class were replaced by RBU-1200 on Type 6601. All four units were converted to Type 01 in the early 1970s.

• Type 01

By the early 1970s, Type 6601 class went through mid-life upgrade with their torpedo tubes replaced by a twin launcher forSY-1 anti-ship missiles. Although redesignated as Type 01, these ships were still calledChengdu class. Retired in the 1980s.

• Type 065 (NATO codename Jiangnan)

Based on the Type 6601/01. The design was first started in Dec 1962 by the 701st Institute atWuhan, and the construction begun in Aug 1964, with the first ship entering service on Aug 1, 1966. These five ships were powered by modified civilian diesel engine rather than military-grade steam turbines. Main guns were mounted one forward and two aft, instead of two forward and one aft on the Riga class.^[20] Completely withdrawn from active duty in the 1980s, but remained as training, museum, and public relations ships. The ships remain on the PLAN's roster, and their upkeep at museums is provided by the PLAN.

• Type 053K (NATO codename Jiangdong)

Air-defense frigate armed with two twin-armedHQ-61surface-to-air missile (SAM) launchers. Only two built, and retired from active service in the early 1990s.Yingtan (531) is docked at a museum inQingdao; the PLAN retains ownership and provides upkeep, whileZhongdong (532) was scrapped.

• Type 053H (NATO codename Jianghu-I)

"Mass production" surface warfare frigate whose design and equipment were hopelessly outdated before the first ship even completed. The only nod to modernity was the four anti-shipSY-1s in two twin-box launchers. Remaining armament consisted to two single 100mm dual-purpose hand-loaded guns with fire control by a very simple stereoscopic rangefinder, limiting the guns to effective fire against surface targets in daylight/clear weather only. The six twin 37mm short-range anti-aircraft guns were all locally controlled, severely limiting their effectiveness. These ships are equipped with Chinese SJD-3 sonar, which is modification of Soviet Tamir-11 (MG-11, withNATO reporting name Stag Hoof) hull mounted sonar: instead of being fixed to the hull, SJD-3 has a telescoping arm, so when not in use, the sonar is stored in the hull, and when deployed, the sonar is lowered into water several meter below the hull, thus increased detection range by avoiding baffles generated by the hull.11 Anti-submarine armament was limited to short-range rockets and depth charges. Damage control arrangements were minimal. Of the original fourteen ships built to this variant, all are now decommissioned except one reserved as an experiment platform.

• Type 053H1 (NATO codename Jianghu-II)

Improved Type 053H with newer electronics, engine, andreplenishment equipment. The sonar for Type 053H1 is SJD-5, which is a Chinese development of Soviet Tamir-11 (MG-11), (NATO reporting name Stag Hoof), withtransistors replacing vacuum tubes in the original Soviet MG-11. Armed with sixSY-2 in two triple-box launchers.^[21]

Zhaotong (555) was modified with more advanced systems as a test bed.PL-9C SAMs were added to its 37mm AA gun mounts.^[21]

8 remained in service in 2007, but most were decommissioned by 2021.^[21]

• Type 053H2 (NATO codename Jianghu-III)

Designed on an enlarged Type 053 hull, and displayed European influence. Considered the first "modern" Chinese frigate with airtight cabins, central air condition, NBC protection, and integrated combat system (British CTC-1629/Chinese ZKJ-3A). The sonar for Type 053H2 is EH-5, a development of earlier SJD-5 used on Type 053H1, withintegrated circuits replacing transistors. Armed with two four-box missile launchers, carryingYJ-8 orYJ-82 surface-to-surface missiles (SSM), and fourType 79A 100mm guns in two two-gun turrets. Three were in service with the East Sea Fleet in 1997.^[22]

• Type 053H1Q (NATO codename Jianghu-IV)

Modified Type 053H with aft weapons replaced with a helicopter deck forHarbin Z-9 helicopter. Armed with one SY-1 SSM dual-box launcher, and a compact French-made 100mm gun. Only one ship was built;Siping (544) served with theNorth Sea Fleet. This ship was renamed asLushun in July 2010, and later transferred to Chinese Naval Academy to serve as a training ship.

• Type 053H1G (NATO codename Jianghu-V)

Originally an economy class based on the Type 053H1. Six built by theGuangzhou-based Huangpu Shipyard in the 1990s to meet an urgent need for ships by theSouth Sea Fleet. Incorporated improvements from the Type 053H2, including air-tight cabins, central air conditioning, NBC protection, and integrated combat system. The sonar for Type 0531G is EH-5A, the latest variant of SJD-5/EH-5/Echo Type 5 family, and it's a highly digitized version. Initially armed with six obsolescent SY-1A in two tripled-box launchers, later upgraded to eightYJ-83 SSM in two four-box launchers.^[23]

• Type 053H2G (NATO codename Jiangwei-I)

• Type 053H3 (NATO codename Jiangwei-II)

• Naresuan class

11 total:

• Bangladesh Navy[2]
  • BNSOsman (F18) (Type 053H1): ex-PLANXiangtan (556), sold to Bangladesh in 1989. Decommissioned in 2020.
  • BNSAbu Bakr (F15) (Type 053H2): ex-PLANHuangshi (535), sold to Bangladesh in 2013.
  • BNSAli Haider (F17) (Type 053H2): ex-PLANWuhu (536), sold to Bangladesh in 2013.
• Myanmar Navy
  • UMSMaha Bandula (F21) (Type 053H1): ex-PLANAnshun (554), sold to Burma in 2012.
  • UMSMaha Thiha Thura (F23) (Type 053H1): ex-PLANJishou (557), sold to Burma in 2012.
• Egyptian Navy[3]
  • ENSNajim al-Zafir (951) (Type 053HE): Decommissioned.
  • ENSAl-Nasser (956) (Type 053HE): Decommissioned.
• Royal Thai Navy[4]
  • HTMSChao Phraya (455) (Type 053HT): Based on the Type 053H2, built for export in 1991 as 053T (T = Thailand).
  • HTMSBangpakong (456) (Type 053HT): Same as above
  • HTMSKraburi (457) (Type 053HT(H)): Improved 053HT-H design, built in 1992 for export. Helicopter deck + YJ-81 (C-801) SSM's.
  • HTMSSaiburi (458) (Type 053HT(H)): Same as above.

History
China
Operator	China Coast Guard
Builder	Jiangnan Shipyard
Launched	1974-1975
Commissioned	1975-1976
Recommissioned	2006 inChina Coast Guard
Decommissioned	2006 in PLAN
In service	2008-present
Reclassified	Coast Guard Cutter
Refit	1996 with PLAN
Status	in active service
General characteristics
Type	Ocean patrol vessel - converted (Type 053 frigate Type H)
Displacement	1,600 tonnes (1,763.70 short tons)
Length	103 metres (338 ft)
Beam	10.8 metres (35 ft)
Height	3.19 metres (10.5 ft)
Ice class	N/A
Propulsion	2 12PA68TC DE 16000hp
Speed	25.6 knots (47.4 km/h)
Boats & landing craft carried	2 high speed boats
Complement	160-200
Armament	Small cannon forward and heavy machine guns - replacing 1x dual 37mm gun, 2x dual 14.55mm AA MG 2x water cannons
Aircraft carried	Harbin Z-9C
Notes	25.6 kn

Two Type 053H are now classed as coast guard cutters following transfer and modifications:

• Changde (509) - nowHaijing 1002
• Shaoxing (510) - nowHaijing 1003

• List of naval ship classes in service

Jackson, Robert "Fighting Ships of The World." London: Amber Books Ltd, 2004 Pg.383ISBN 9781840136470

Media related toType 053 frigate family at Wikimedia Commons

• Sino Defense Today

• Type 053 frigates
• Frigates of the People's Liberation Army Navy
• China–Soviet Union relations
• China Coast Guard ships

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