Algerian Navy corvette ANS Adhafer spotted in UK harbour in rare visit.

The Algerian Navy’s Adhafer-class corvette ANS Adhafer (920) arrived at Portsmouth, United Kingdom, on October 19, 2025, and departed on October 22, 2025, in a rare appearance of an Algerian warship in a British harbor.

As reported by WarshipCam, the Algerian Navy’s Adhafer-class corvette ANS Adhafer (920) was observed entering Portsmouth, England, on October 19, 2025. The vessel remained docked for three days before departing on October 22, marking a rare appearance of an Algerian naval vessel in the United Kingdom. Built in China, the Adhafer is the lead ship of its class and has served as one of Algeria’s principal warships since its commissioning in 2015.
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The Adhafer-class corvette, also designated C28A, traces its origins to a 2012 contract signed between Algeria and China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) for three stealth corvettes based on the Chinese F-22P and Type 054A design. (Picture source: X/@JonnyMD1)

The ANS Adhafer (920) is the lead ship of Algeria’s C28A-class corvettes, known domestically as the Adhafer class. These 3,000-ton surface combatants were ordered in 2012 and built by China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) at its Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard in Shanghai. The contract included three ships [Adhafer (920), El Fateh (921), and Ezzadjer (922)] with an option for three more vessels of the same configuration. The first was launched in August 2014 and commissioned in November 2015, followed by the second in March 2016 and the third in August 2016. The class was among the first to combine Chinese-built ships with Western electronics and radar systems, setting a new standard for mixed-origin surface vessels in the Algerian Navy.

Each Adhafer-class corvette is 120 meters long, 14.4 meters wide, and has a draught of 3.87 meters, displacing 2,880 tons standard and 3,000 tons at full load. Propulsion consists of four MTU 16V 1163 diesel engines connected to four shafts, using a Mecmar exhaust gas system for improved efficiency and reduced thermal signature. The design omits a funnel stack, expelling exhaust gases at the waterline to minimize infrared detectability, while radar-absorbent coatings and a low-profile superstructure contribute to reduced radar cross-section. Fin stabilizers and bilge keels enhance stability at high sea states, ensuring sensor and weapon accuracy during operation. The maximum speed reaches 30 knots, and range and endurance are consistent with medium-displacement frigate standards, allowing extended patrols across the Mediterranean.

Primary detection is provided by a Thales Smart-S Mk2 medium- to long-range 3D multibeam passive electronically scanned array radar, capable of detecting aerial targets up to 250 km away. The radar operates in the E/F band and supports both surface and air surveillance. It is complemented by a Chinese Type 364 air search radar operating in the S-band for tracking low-flying or sea-skimming threats and two Kelvin Hughes SharpEye navigation radars, one in I-band and another in E/F-band, optimized for surface navigation and obstacle avoidance. Fire-control duties are distributed between one Type 345 radar for the FM90N launcher and two Type 347 fire-control radars for the twin Type 730 close-in weapon systems. The combat management system (CMS) is supplied by CSTC but integrates with Thales Tacticos multifunction operator consoles, enabling simultaneous tracking of air and surface targets, threat classification, and weapon cueing through standardized NATO-compatible data formats.

The class’s main gun is the NG-16-1 76 mm naval cannon, installed within a stealth-shaped turret to reduce reflection of radar waves. The weapon is effective against surface targets and low-flying aircraft, offering a rate of fire of up to 120 rounds per minute and compatibility with various shell types, including proximity-fused and semi-armor-piercing ammunition. For close-in defense, the ships carry two seven-barrel 30 mm Type 730 CIWS systems placed above the hangar, each with a rate of fire between 4,600 and 5,800 rounds per minute and an effective range of 3–4 kilometers against aerial targets. Anti-ship armament includes two quadruple launchers for C-802A cruise missiles, with an active radar homing seeker and a maximum range of approximately 280 km at subsonic speed (Mach 0.9). Air defense is ensured by an eight-cell FM90N launcher firing HQ-7 missiles, capable of engaging targets from 700 meters up to 15 km in range and between 15 and 6,000 meters in altitude.

For anti-submarine warfare, the corvettes are equipped with two triple 324 mm torpedo launchers capable of deploying lightweight torpedoes designed for operations against submarines and underwater threats. Electronic warfare systems include an electronic support measures (ESM) array and two Type 726-4 decoy launcher systems, each featuring 18 tubes arranged in three six-tube rows. These launchers are designed to deploy chaff, infrared flares, and anti-torpedo countermeasures and can also fire anti-submarine rockets in defensive configurations. The ship’s sonar suite includes a hull-mounted array of Chinese design used for target classification and engagement in shallow-water environments, and potentially integrated with Western acoustic interfaces. Communications and data links employ Link Y-compatible systems, ensuring interoperability with friendly units and supporting cooperative engagement through encrypted digital networks.

Aviation facilities include a flight deck and a full-size enclosed hangar, originally designed to accommodate the Super Lynx Mk140, and later adapted for the AW159 Wildcat helicopters. In March 2025, Algeria signed a contract with Leonardo for three AW159s, with deliveries expected by 2027. Each helicopter will enhance anti-submarine and anti-surface capabilities through the integration of Compact FLASH dipping sonar, MU90 lightweight torpedoes, and Lightweight Multirole Missiles. The AW159 features a marinised airframe, two CTS800-4N turboshaft engines producing 1,361 horsepower each, a top speed of 311 km/h, and a maximum takeoff weight of 6,000 kg. The aircraft integrates the Seaspray 7400E AESA radar and the Wescam MX-15 electro-optical turret, alongside a digital open-architecture avionics suite, allowing seamless integration with shipboard combat systems. It can carry Martlet or Sea Venom missiles for anti-ship operations and MU90 or Sting Ray torpedoes for ASW tasks.

The AW159 has an operational range of 777 km and a ferry range of 963 km, with endurance exceeding four hours when equipped with auxiliary tanks. Its defensive systems include missile approach warning sensors, exhaust suppressors, and countermeasure dispensers. The procurement of these aircraft prompted Leonardo to resume Wildcat production, suspended since the completion of earlier export orders. Algeria currently represents the sole active new customer for the helicopter, although Leonardo continues to pursue potential contracts, including New Zealand’s future helicopter replacement program. The Yeovil facility, responsible for final assembly, maintains production through additional programs such as the AW149 and the Proteus uncrewed helicopter. The decision to restart production for three aircraft reflects both Algeria’s long-term naval modernization and Leonardo’s need to maintain industrial continuity at its British production center.

At IDEAS 2016, CSSC presented an updated “new C28A” variant featuring quad-faced AESA radars, a diversified electronic warfare suite, and repositioned PJ-12B CIWS mounts located further forward but still above the hangar. This configuration added FL-3000N missile-based CIWS with up to 24 tubes and incorporated mixed infrared and passive radar guidance, expanding hard-kill coverage. The C28A retained two quad anti-ship missile launchers (C-802A or C-803) and included decoy systems similar to the Type 726-4, offering improved survivability. Algeria’s continued cooperation with China also extends to the licensed local production of six Type 056 (F-15A) light frigates, following the 2023 delivery of El Moutassadi (940). The shift to domestic assembly underlines efforts to establish a national naval manufacturing base capable of supporting the modernization of Algeria’s maritime forces, integrating Western, Chinese, and Russian technologies into a single operational framework.

Written by Jérôme Brahy

Jérôme Brahy is a defense analyst and documentalist at Army Recognition. He specializes in naval modernization, aviation, drones, armored vehicles, and artillery, with a focus on strategic developments in the United States, China, Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye, and Belgium. His analyses go beyond the facts, providing context, identifying key actors, and explaining why defense news matters on a global scale.