China Coast Guard and Patrol vessels
- Thread starter crobato
- Start date
I do not think you will see CIWS on these. They are not expected to go into true "combat," that would involve SSMs, etc.
However, I am pretty sure that read some where that in addition to the 76mm main gun, they will have two 30mm auto cannons, and several machine guns. Also, they will apparently carry and house two Z-8 helos.
Time will tell...they are progressing nicely now.
joshuatree
Captain
Don't think 100 mm guns are needed. As for the 76 mm, well, a CG vessel of this size could be used for extended, long distance anti-piracy patrol so a 76 mm on the open ocean isn't that overkill.
My expectation is not that they would go into real combat deliberately but if real combat happens upon them then they have a means of self-defense. One step below the 056 to survive a surprise attack and run away. A pair of Type 730 or even 630 should be sufficient.
JCG PLH-31 and 32 class has two 20mm M61s, as well as two double barreled oerlikon 35mm guns, or two 40mm bofors Mk3s respectively.
Hamilton class had one 76mm oto melara and even a 20mm phalanx ciws
Legend class has a 57mm and a 20mm phalanx ciws
And remember all these ships are smaller than the 12k ton cutter... So if anything, by displacement, this particular cutter is actually somewhat underarmed.
As for the role of such weapons, it's basically warning and enforcement against relatively soft surface targets.
A medium calibre gun and autocannons are pretty standard fit. I am a little confused as to why the USCG cutters have phalanxes given it is very much an anti air and anti missile last ditch defence but they do also have an anti surface function.
I also don't think PLAN are producing 100mms anymore...
I doubt we'll see ciws. We'll probably see a pair of those 30mm H/PJ-17 autocannons in addition to the 76mm.
Not sure what you mean by that, given CCG and its predecessors have all been manned by their respective staffs.
I think the armament is going to be a function of the planned/expected mission envelope for the vessel.
For example, the Legend Class has a CIWS because in the event of war, they are expected to be used by the US Navy for escort duties, patrol, etc. Not front line type combat...but involvement nonetheless with the Navy.
As a result, they have a very strong communication and sensor suite, as well as the CIWS.
The Hamilton's were expected to do the same in their day...and even had one of them fitted out with and tested with Harpoon missiles so they could quickly add them if the need ever arose.
I reckon you will find more and more Chinese Coast Guard Vessels (albeit armed) patrolling China's claimed "territorial waters" in the South China Sea. Looking at China's 9 dotted lines, this area is about 80-90% of the South China Sea (not forgetting to include the Airspace). This is a crafty Chinese strategy not involving the PLA-N warships as yet. I wonder what the US and the other countries can do about it? The situation doesn't looks good at all, and clashes on the high seas are likely occur.