Recent images have emerged in the past few days showing a new naval platform belonging to the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China. According to various Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) reports, the photos depict an experimental stealth corvette with low-observability features.
The photo of the Chinese vessel, whose name and designation remain unknown, recently began circulating on social media. It shows the unit docked and viewed from the rear, from an elevated position on the left side. However, this is not the first time it has been observed. Previously, the same vessel had been seen, showing notably smooth, flat, and faceted surfaces with very few protrusions or openings. This aligns with the theory that the ship is intended to test low-observability (stealth) features.
On the other hand, some earlier images suggest the presence of an HQ-10 surface-to-air missile launcher mounted on the rear of the main superstructure, just before the flight deck. This point defense system is comparable in design and functionality to the U.S. Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM). However, in the new images, the launcher structure shows a single opening, which has led to speculation about its true purpose. It could be an electro-optical device or even a directed energy weapon, a technology that China has started to test on its naval units.
Additionally, the supposed vertical launch system, whose existence was hinted at in earlier images by visible hinges at the front of the superstructure, is less evident in these new photos. The mast, located above the main superstructure, bears some resemblance to Japan’s UNICORN stealth antenna system but is significantly less robust, raising questions about its exact function. The lack of visible antennas and other radar-reflective elements is consistent with the design of a stealth vessel, though in this case, it seems to be taken to an extreme level.
Another hypothesis suggests that this Chinese naval platform might be intended not only to test stealth technologies but also to evaluate a “fully electric” hybrid propulsion system, similar to that used in the U.S. Zumwalt-class destroyers.
Regardless of its exact function, the emergence of this new corvette is a clear indication of China’s interest in developing low-observability designs. Additionally, it could be a precursor to a future class of stealth corvettes, particularly useful for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) in operations within strategic areas like the First Island Chain.
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