The Type 053H3 frigate, also known as the Jiangwei II class, is a series of frigates used by the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China. Here’s a technical summary of this class:General CharacteristicsType: FrigateClass: Jiangwei II (Type 053H3)In Service: Mid-1990s onwardsDisplacement: Approximately 2,250 tons standard, 2,450 tons full loadLength: 112 meters (367 feet)Beam: 12.4 meters (40.7 feet)Draft: 4.3 meters (14.1 feet)Propulsion and PerformancePropulsion: Combined diesel or gas (CODOG) arrangement, featuring two SEMT Pielstick diesel engines and two gas turbines, driving two shafts.Speed: Up to 28 knots (52 km/h; 32 mph)Range: About 5,000 nautical miles (9,260 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph)ArmamentMain Gun: Single 100mm gun mounted forward.Anti-Ship Missiles: Equipped with two quad launchers for YJ-83 (C-803) anti-ship missiles.Air Defense: Features an 8-cell HQ-7 (FM-90N) surface-to-air missile launcher with a 15 km range.Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW): Carries two triple 324mm torpedo launchers and two Type 87 six-barrel anti-submarine rocket launchers (ASW rockets).Additional Armament: Equipped with two Type 76A dual-purpose 37mm anti-aircraft guns.Electronics and SensorsRadar Systems: Equipped with various radars, including air/surface search radars, fire-control radars for the main gun, and navigation radars.Sonar: Hull-mounted sonar and possibly variable depth sonar for anti-submarine operations.Electronic Warfare: Electronic support measures (ESM) and electronic countermeasures (ECM) systems are part of its suite, enhancing its defensive capabilities.AircraftHelicopter Facilities: The Jiangwei II class has a flight deck and hangar to accommodate a single medium-sized helicopter, enhancing its ASW and search-and-rescue capabilities.Crew and AccommodationsCrew: Approximately 200 officers and enlisted personnel.Living Quarters: Designed to improve crew comfort, with modern accommodations and facilities.Operational Role and DeploymentRole: Designed for anti-surface warfare (ASuW), anti-air warfare (AAW), and anti-submarine warfare (ASW), the Jiangwei II class serves as a versatile surface combatant in the PLAN.Deployment: Operates primarily in the East China Sea and South China Sea, contributing to China’s regional maritime security and presence.The Type 053H3 Jiangwei II frigates are considered a significant part of the PLAN’s modernization efforts, bridging the gap between older patrol craft and newer, more advanced frigates like the Type 054A.