Cambodia has received its first Type-056C class corvette built in China. The ship arrived with a full crew at the Ream Naval Base, where the official transfer ceremony took place.
According to Navy Recognition, in 2024, Beijing agreed to supply Cambodia with two such corvettes. The second ship is scheduled to be delivered in June 2026. Its readiness is estimated at about 70%.
Chinese-built Type-056C corvette for Cambodia
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The publication also draws attention to the fact that the Ream base resumed operation in April 2025 after Chinese-funded infrastructure expansion works, which included an increase in berthing capacity.
Prior to the delivery of the Chinese-built corvette, the Cambodian Navy primarily used small patrol boats, which limited its ability to conduct layered maritime defense.
Navy Recognition notes that the delivery of the two corvettes is not being implemented in accordance with the terms of the commercial deal, but as part of the assistance provided for in the defense cooperation agreement between China and Cambodia.
Each corvette is designed for a crew of about 60 people, which will require Cambodia to expand its training system and maintenance capabilities, since such large ships have not been operated before.
Type-056 class corvettes, sometimes classified as frigates, were produced between 2012 and 2016 at several Chinese shipyards, including Hudong-Zhonghua, Huangpu Wenchong and Wuchang factories. At least 22 units entered service with the Chinese Navy, after which they began to be supplied to the Coast Guard. Export modifications include the C13B variant delivered to Bangladesh (four units) and the P18N variant delivered to Nigeria (two units).
The Type-056C corvette has a total displacement of 1,300 to 1,500 tons, a length of 88.9 meters, a width of 11.1 meters, and a draft of about 4 meters. The power plant consists of two diesel engines with a capacity of about 6900 hp each. This provides a maximum speed of 25 knots and a range of about 3,500 nautical miles at 16 knots, which is sufficient for operations in the Gulf of Thailand and the surrounding waters, but limits long-term deployments.
The ships' design includes a helipad capable of accommodating one medium-class helicopter, but the lack of a hangar limits maintenance and lengthy aviation operations.
The sensor systems include a Type-364 air and surface search radar, a Type-347G fire control radar for the main gun, and a bow sonar for detecting submarines. These systems are connected via the ZKJ-5 combat information and control system.
The Cambodian corvette's armament includes one 76mm H/PJ-26 universal cannon and two 30mm remotely operated H/PJ-17 melee artillery systems.
The standard armament of the Type-056 ships includes four YJ-83 anti-ship missiles mounted in two twin launchers; each missile has a range of 150 to 180 km. The arsenal also includes the HHQ-10 short-range air defense system with eight missiles and two triple 324-mm torpedo tubes. However, at the time of the transfer, the Cambodian corvette does not have such missile and torpedo systems. It has not been officially announced whether they will be installed in the future.
