A new stealth frigate of the Chinese Navy has completed its maiden voyage, displaying similarities to the Swedish corvettes of the Visby class but in a larger size. Images of the vessel were published through Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) but the exact location of its initial sailing or whether it has returned to port remains unknown.
The frigate, first seen in November 2023 at the Liaoning Shipyard, features a concealed main cannon, a vertical launch system, and a flight deck. Its design emphasizes low detectability features, with smooth surfaces and integrated structures, along with the absence of large antennas and radar-reflecting devices on the superstructure or deck. Satellite images indicate that the vessel has been under construction there since at least August of the previous year, according to Tom Shugart, a senior fellow with the Center for a New American Security (CNAS).
Some suggest it adopts a configuration similar to a tumblehome, gradually narrowing above the waterline, but in this case, the lower part of the hull still flares outward. Swedish stealth corvettes of the Visby class and the stealth destroyers of the Zumwalt class of the US Navy feature tumblehome design elements.
The estimated length of the new frigate is 97 meters, similar to the Type 056 class, but with a focus on stealth. The exact purpose of this new vessel is still unclear, although speculation suggests it could serve as a test platform or a new class of frigate for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). This vessel could play roles in escort missions, anti-submarine warfare, and air defense, Shugart noted to The War Zone.
Nevertheless, with its stealthy design, the new frigate could play a significant role in littoral zones and in China’s coastal defense. In this regard, there is speculation that the Chinese Navy may utilize it for a new fleet of stealth ships for coastal defense, allowing other ships, such as Type 054A frigates, to carry out missions in more extensive waters.
Moreover, what stands out about this appearance is that analysts point out that the rapid construction of this vessel underscores China’s ability to produce advanced ships in shortened timescales. “The fact that the new frigate is already undergoing sea trials constitutes an incredibly fast construction schedule. The first time I saw the ship under construction was in August of last year, and now we have it in May, nine months later, undergoing sea trials,” stated Shugart.
The construction speed contrasts with delays in US naval shipbuilding, highlighting China’s significant growth in naval capability. For instance, “the new Constellation-class frigate of the US Navy was initially scheduled for a 48-month period from the start of construction to delivery, and now we have statements from the Navy of significant delays beyond that timeframe,” Shugart said.
So far, the latest circulating images also show hinges on the vertical launch lid. Additionally, according to Alex Luck, a journalist closely following the PLAN, previous images from the Liaoning Dalian South shipyard during the launch of an “integral testing platform” project indicate that this is indeed the official purpose of the vessel.
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