Corvette/Light frigate thread (056A, sub-4000t FFLs)

ACuriousPLAFan

Brigadier
Registered Member
Discussion continued here to avoid derailing original thread.


The satellite photographs of said FFL (taken 31 July 2025 on Earthstar Geographics), which is already launched sometime in April/May this year:

006qLVAkgy1i4rjd6xt3lj30sa0bqgmy.jpg
006qLVAkgy1i4rjd6pd6yj316n0ibjuu.jpg

Comparison between said new FFL (bottom) and the 056/A FFL (top) built by the same shipyard:

006qLVAkgy1i4rjd7afl4j30n20l4k3k.jpg

In fact, the original photo from near ground level already has the stern view of said new FFL:

006qLVAkgy1i4rjds0xzvj31a00ou0vj.jpg

The bow section seen protruding out of the foreground structures is also seen in the satellite photograph. It is unsure whether this is the second unit of the same FFL-class, or a separate class of FFL entirely:

006qLVAkgy1i4rngo3wbwj323m0yc1ky-min.jpg

All the above photos are posted by @里海赛艇 on Weibo.

The original poster also noted that unlike the 056A FFL, this new FFL lacks a launch/recovery port for a towed variable depth sonar and a strategic satellite communication antenna. Therefore, it is highly likely that this FFL is intended for military export.
 
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Temstar

Brigadier
Registered Member
Discussion continued here to avoid derailing original thread.




The satellite photographs of said FFL (taken 31 July 2025 on Earthstar Geographics), which is already launched sometime in April/May this year:

View attachment 159364
View attachment 159362

Comparison between said new FFL (bottom) and the 056/A FFL (top) built by the same shipyard:

View attachment 159363

In fact, the original photo from near ground level already has the stern view of said new FFL:

View attachment 159365

The bow section seen protruding out of the foreground structures are also seen in the satellite photograph. It is unsure whether this is the second unit of the same FFL-class, or a separate class of FFL entirely:

View attachment 159366

All the above photos are posted by @里海赛艇 on Weibo.

The original poster also noted that unlike the 056A FFL, this new FFL lacks a launch/recovery port for a towed variable depth sonar and a strategic satellite communication antenna. Therefore, it is highly likely that this FFL is intended for military export.
I was thinking CCG due to the two secondary guns up front emphasizing frontal firepower, but Shilao pointed out that the argument is weak because in terms of escalation tier with coast guard there doesn't exist a tier between "open fire with small arms" and "open fire with main gun" where autocannons could slot in. If things get out of hand enough that you need to open fire with a pair of 30mm autocannons you might as well let loose with the 76mm.
 
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