China Builds Final Type 056 Corvette

China completed construction of the last Type 056 stealth-capable, guided-missile corvette, the Aba, in December.

“China has completed work on its final coastal defensive Type 056 corvette,” military analysts were quoted as saying by Global Times on Monday.

A report by Aba Television stated that this would be the last ship of its class. Expected date of commissioning of the ship was however not mentioned.

PLA Navy officials did not reveal how many Type 056 models it will have in operation. Public reports have indicated over 60 have been launched since 2012.

The 88.9 meter-long boat has a displacement of 1,300 tons and an endurance of 15 days. It is suited for mid-range missions and littoral duties, patrol, escort and protection of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), etc.