joshuatree
Captain
So it makes sense to give them some of the Type-37 corvettes now. These are being retired early (and therefore not require refurbishment) because of the accelerated introduction of the Type-56. The Type-37 is still twice as large as anything the Cambodians currently have and it actually carries some anti-ship missiles, which will be a new concept for the Cambodian Navy master.
Come to think of it, I'm kind of surprised that China hasn't been gifting more of the older Type-37 Corvettes or Type-53 frigates away.
It's possible a donation of type 037s may happen as part of some 054 sale to sweeten the deal. While I agree that the 054 is a huge leap for the Cambodians, it is also they who expressed a desire to have 140-meter ships. So not unless there's some sort of stretched out 056 derivative, the 054s fit the description. It wouldn't be a waste if the sale also included training/on-going support. And actually, that's a good way to secure a long term customer.