Jianghu-class frigates (Type 053)

The Jianghu-class frigate (Type 053) is a type of frigate developed by the People's Republic of China and equipped with anti-ship missiles as its primary armament. It has been the main patrol vessel of the People's Liberation Army Navy since the 1980s. To technological advances and the expansion of missions, resulting to five versions.

Jianghu I-class frigate (Type 053H)

The Jianghu I-class frigate (Type 053H) was originally conceived as a ship-to-ship missile-equipped ship to operate in tandem with the Jiangdong-class frigates (Type 053K) equipped with ship-to-air missiles, and inherited most of the hull design from the Jiangdong-class. However, due to delays in the development of the ship-to-air missiles and their poor performance, mass deployment of the Jiangdong-class was never realized. As a result, the Jianghu I-class (Type 053H), had serious problems with its air defense capabilities, but a number of 14 were built to make up for the lack of patrol forces.

Jianghu II-class frigate (Type 053H1)

Subsequently, nine Jianghu II-class frigate (Type 053H1) were built, which had minor improvements.

Jianghu III-class frigates (Type 053H2)

Followed by the Jianghu III-class frigates (Type 053H2) which was a radical redesign. Although, this ships introduced many new innovations and as a result its operational performance was poor. As a result, only three vessels were built.

Jianghu IV-class frigate (Type 053H1Q)

In addition, one of the Jianghu I-class (Type 053H) ships was converted into an experimental vessel, becoming the Jianghu IV-class frigate (Type 053H1Q). This vessel was equipped with an advanced French sonar system, anti-submarine armament, and naval guns, as well as additional equipment for operating a ship-based helicopter. It provided important information for the development of the Jiangwei-class ships and served as the Chinese Navy's most capable anti-submarine ship.

Jianghu V-class frigate (Type 053H1G)

In the mid-1990s, was developed the Jianghu V-class frigate (Type 053H1G) as a «wartime makeshift ship» in response to the rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait and the Spratly Islands, returning to a more progressive design. Six vessels were deployed.