SURFACE FORCES : China Recycles

China Recycles

July 22, 2008: China appears to be having more success with usingsome of its older 053H (Jianghu class) missile frigates as coastguard patrol ships, then it ever had using them as warships. Two ofthese three decade old warships, instead of being scrapped,converted to coast guard ships. The frigates had their two 100 mmguns and six anti-ship missiles removed. This made room for smallerpatrol boats to be mounted on deck, along with winches to lowerthem into the water. Additional fuel stowage was also added, andcrew accommodations were improved, since only about half as manysailors (about a hundred) were now needed to run the ship.

The Chinese apparently also did a lot of repairs and rebuildinginside these ships, which have a long history of shoddyconstruction and frequent equipment breakdowns. The coast guard hassaid they would prefer new ships, but this is China, and you takewhat you can get and make the most of it.