From 1981
to 1988 Hudong shipyard in Shanghai, designed eight type 053H1 frigates
for the PLA Navy and two for Egypt. In 1989, the Xiangtan frigate (hull
number 556) was sold from the Chinese Navy to Bangladesh, where it is
currently operated as "Osman" (F18). Type 053H1 frigates were
somewhat outdated already at the time of construction, and they have
low military value nowadays. In recent years, these ships have been
gradualy pulled out of service by the Chinese Navy.
According to some reports, two more former PLAN Type 053H1 may soon
be sold to Bangladesh. |