056 class FFL/corvette

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plawolf

Lieutenant General
I think people are reading both too much and too little into the news of this transfer.

They are reading too much from this in terms of the PLAN’s manpower and planning. Because I think a lump sum mass transfer like this is only done because of a significant role change between the PLAN and CCG.

In this move, I see the more significant transfer from the PLAN to the CCG being the coastal/brown water patrol duties that these 20 056 corvettes were designed and built to perform.

My take away from this is that the PLAN is cutting away a lot of its legacy patrol duties, specifically where there is territorial dispute.

Traditionally, CCG ships were lightly or even not armed, that puts them at a significant disadvantage when facing off against the armed coast guard ships from other powers, so PLAN warships often need to chaperone, which is not ideal as it ties down naval assets and also needlessly escalates disputes to involve navies.

With the stripped down 056s, the CCG still easily outgun any other coast guard ships. That removes the need for the PLAN to be involved in territorial disputes, but could also signal a much more muscular and robust approach to territorial disputes to need such firepower as insurance.

My take is that China is taking a leaf from the Russian playbook and will be expanding its grey zone operations to put pressure on hostile powers.
 

AndrewS

Brigadier
Registered Member
Ultimately, that is to say that I don't find it implausible that PLAN may have decided to swap 20 056s for 20 054As. I'm not saying that is actually what is happening, but it does seem superficially plausible.

I actually find this scenario fairly plausible

Rationale below

Have we actually seen more Type-056A corvettes under construction?
If not, perhaps the 20 Type-056s are simply being replaced by the 20 new Type-054A Frigates mooted for 2021-2025?

I've always thought that an "efficient and effective" ASW/convoy group within the 1st Island Chain would look something like 3-4 ships, to include at least 1 Type-054A Frigate (with a helicopter and medium-range air defence) with the remaining ships as Type-056A ASW Corvettes

That would mean the Chinese Navy currently has way too many Corvettes, and they actually need an extra 30+ Frigates to balance out the existing force structure for 72 Corvettes. I reckon the existing Frigates are fully committed to screening Chinese Destroyers/Cruisers/Carriers
 

Chin evan

New Member
Registered Member
But I am surprise plan is keeping the type 022 while transferring away the earlier 056, it's like implying the 022 is more useful than the early batch 056
 

blindsight

Junior Member
Registered Member
But I am surprise plan is keeping the type 022 while transferring away the earlier 056, it's like implying the 022 is more useful than the early batch 056
I think it's more likely because the Type 22 is NOT that useful for CCG.

I think people are reading both too much and too little into the news of this transfer.

They are reading too much from this in terms of the PLAN’s manpower and planning. Because I think a lump sum mass transfer like this is only done because of a significant role change between the PLAN and CCG.

In this move, I see the more significant transfer from the PLAN to the CCG being the coastal/brown water patrol duties that these 20 056 corvettes were designed and built to perform.

My take away from this is that the PLAN is cutting away a lot of its legacy patrol duties, specifically where there is territorial dispute.

Traditionally, CCG ships were lightly or even not armed, that puts them at a significant disadvantage when facing off against the armed coast guard ships from other powers, so PLAN warships often need to chaperone, which is not ideal as it ties down naval assets and also needlessly escalates disputes to involve navies.

With the stripped down 056s, the CCG still easily outgun any other coast guard ships. That removes the need for the PLAN to be involved in territorial disputes, but could also signal a much more muscular and robust approach to territorial disputes to need such firepower as insurance.

My take is that China is taking a leaf from the Russian playbook and will be expanding its grey zone operations to put pressure on hostile powers.
That makes sense, especially with the new law that granted CCG more freedom to use their firepower.
 

Andy1974

Senior Member
Registered Member
But I am surprise plan is keeping the type 022 while transferring away the earlier 056, it's like implying the 022 is more useful than the early batch 056
It does have unique, and strange capabilities. I think the PLAN has a plan!

Have we actually seen more Type-056A corvettes under construction?
This is just speculation from the forum I believe.

My take is that China is taking a leaf from the Russian playbook and will be expanding its grey zone operations to put pressure on hostile powers.

I agree with everyone else apart from this, because:

China recently amended it’s coast guard law to allow it’s vessels to use force in more circumstances.
China is really pushing hard for ASEAN to agree to security/conduct rules in the SCS.

So, my take is that China is making it’s Coast Guard fully compatible with a soon to be agreed code of conduct with ASEAN. this may also be why we see the US now sending coast guard ships to the CSC.

Perhaps, one day, foreign countries will only be able to send Coast Guard ships to the SCS.
 
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azretonov

Junior Member
Registered Member
But I am surprise plan is keeping the type 022 while transferring away the earlier 056, it's like implying the 022 is more useful than the early batch 056
One is an FMC while the other one is a corvette, so no real surprise there. CGs don't need ambitious missile boats.
 

MwRYum

Major
But I am surprise plan is keeping the type 022 while transferring away the earlier 056, it's like implying the 022 is more useful than the early batch 056
There's nothing surprising for the Type 022 is, at the very fundament of its design, a FMC platform and hopeless to be effectively modified to serve in any other purpose. Type 022 FMC is a singular purpose platform that adhered to Soviet-type FMC-based coastal defense doctrine.

Meanwhile, 056 is a multipurpose platform with flexibility to take other more specialized purpose - which include coastguard cutter, after removing "offensive payloads" such as AShM.
 

The Observer

Junior Member
Registered Member
Saw an interesting tweet about Type 056.

Below the Type 056 Frigate designation are:

length: 88.9 m
width: 11.14 m
Maximum speed: 25 knots
Endurance: 2000 nautical miles
Standard displacement (everything except fuel and water): 1220 tons
Maximum displacement (everything including fuel and water + overload): 1340 tons
Weapon suit


FFC0WHOaQAM1XSF
 
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