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PLAN Type 053H2G Frigates Transfered to China Coast Guard & Converted into Patrol Vessels.

19 Aug, 2015 9:21 | 2015

Maritime Security News - China

PLAN Type 053H2G Frigates Transferred to China Coast Guard & Converted into Patrol Vessels

Recent spotter pictures from China show that the four Type 053H2G Frigates (NATO designation Jiangwei I) belonging to the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN or Chinese Navy) have been transferred to the China Coast Guard (CCG) and are being converted into patrol vessels.

PLAN 053H2G (Jiangwei I) frigate 540 Huainan

The Type 053H2G entered service with the PLAN in the 1990ies. They were later variants of the Type 053 frigate family, and were the PLAN's first multi-role frigates. Only 4 units were built before the class was succeeded by the a capable variant based on the same design: The Type 053H3 Jiangwei II class.

According to the picture, the convesion of these vessels into CCG patrol vessels consists in removing all major weapon systems: The PJ33A dual 100 mm main gun, 6x HQ-61 Surface-to-air missile launcher, 2x3 YJ-83 anti-ship missile launchers and 2x Type 3200 ASW rocket launchers are all being taken off board.

The Type 360 surface search radar appears to be missing too, but it may be replaced by a more modern radar. A new antenna (purpose unknown) can be seen fitted on top of the helicopter hangar.

The only weapon system that will remain on board after the conversion are the four Type 76A dual-37 mm guns.

Obviously, the former grey PLAN hulls are getting a white coat of paint as is the norm with Coast Guards globally.

Three of the Four PLAN 053H2G (Jiangwei I) frigates transfered to the China Coast Guard at various stages of conversion into patrol vessels

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PLAN Type 053H2G Frigates Transfered to China Coast Guard & Converted into Patrol Vessels.