China tests mysterious stealth corvette with 16 missiles on board

In China, a mysterious stealth corvette built in the Chinese city of Liaoning, Liaoning Province, has been put to sea for sea trials.

Here's What We Know

Photos posted on social media revealed the existence of this mysterious corvette. The presence of such a ship in China first became known only in the second half of 2023, and the first fuzzy images appeared in the public domain only in November last year.

Although information about the ship is limited, it is known that it has an onboard armament of 16 missiles and a redesigned HQ-16 air defence missile system, as well as some design features to ensure stealth. However, detailed specifications, as well as its future armament, remain in question.

Naval News notes that the stealth ship was built at the same shipyard that previously built a series of Type 56 corvettes for the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy. The ship is currently being used as a "technology demonstrator" and as a research platform for testing advanced models of onboard weapons and equipment.

As for the power plant, discussions are still ongoing, as it is equally likely that a diesel, gas turbine or combined engine will be used. And one of the photos on the Internet suggests that this ship may even have a water cannon propulsion system.

Source: Naval News