China-made military hardware in active service surged in 2013

[beijingwalker]

China-made military hardware in active service surged in 2013
Yang Chun-ping and Staff Reporter
2013-12-31 11:58 (GMT+8

Chinese weapons made it to the front pages of media outlets across the world several times in 2013 as the country launched numerous new weapons during the year.

In 2013, at least 18 Type 056 Jiangdao Class corvettes, six Type 054A frigates, two Type 052C destroyers and one Type 052D destroyer went into active service. Another 27 warships and an unidentified number of other vessels were also said to be under construction.

In February, the Bengbu warship, China's first Type 056 corvette, was commissioned by the Shanghai East Sea Fleet, followed by the Datong and the Yingkou vessels, which serve in the North Sea Fleet.

The Meizhou, Baise and Shangrao warships in Sanya joined the South Sea Fleet. On July 1, the Huizhou and Qinzhou ships were seen in Hong Kong.

The Type 056 corvettes are China's first independently developed new-generation guided missile corvette and have combat abilities of short-range air and missile defense, anti-submarine warfare and a comprehensive combat ability. They are relatively cheap to build and are of the PLA Navy's new-generation of major defense vessels.

Two Type 054A frigates, a multi-role warship class, have drawn attention as well, with one joining the North Sea Fleet and another joining the South Sea Fleet this year to further enhance the combat capabilities of the Chinese navy.

Meanwhile, Type 052C destroyers have been commissioned by the East Sea Fleet. Its aviation facilities, that include an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter have further improved the ships' combat capabilities.

In addition to naval warfare, the air force has also seen new developments this year.

The CAIC Z-10 and Harbin Z-19 choppers have been deployed and the Chengdu J-20 and Shenyang J-31 stealth multi-role fighters have also drawn the attention of international military experts.

Other weapons, including a large military transport aircraft the Xian Y-20 Ark and drone Sharp Sword or Lijian AVIC 601-S were also among the domestically made weapons that have contributed to the Chinese military's firepower.