In a recent maritime training exercise in the waters of the East China Sea, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) demonstrated the operational capabilities of its Type 22 (NATO designation: Houbei class) missile boats. These fast attack vessels, notable for their wave-piercing catamaran hulls and stealth features, were observed maneuvering in formation, underscoring their strategic role in China’s coastal defense strategy. Launched in April 2004 by the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai, the Type 22 missile boat has quickly become a cornerstone of the PLAN’s littoral warfare tactics. The deployment of Type 22 missile boats in the East China Sea exercises sends a clear signal about China’s maritime strategy. These vessels are designed to patrol coastal areas and assert control over disputed waters, reflecting China’s broader strategic goals in the region.
The Type 22’s design is based on Australian wave-piercing catamaran hulls, providing enhanced stability and speed in high sea conditions—a critical advantage over traditional monohull designs. The boats are equipped with advanced stealth features, including a polygonal-designed superstructure and angled gun mounts that reduce radar cross-section. However, the use of aluminum in their construction, along with visible deck clutter such as rails and launchers, means they are not fully stealth. Synthetic aperture radar from satellites can still detect them, indicating a trade-off between stealth and practicality. With 82 boats currently in service, these vessels are organized into three flotillas, each comprising squadrons of eight boats. Their combination of speed, firepower, and advanced technology makes them a versatile and potent component of the PLAN’s littoral combat forces.
Each Type 22 missile boat is armed with eight anti-ship missiles, positioning them as formidable assets in coastal defense and offensive operations. The ability to launch salvos of missiles has the potential to overwhelm enemy fleets, including aircraft carrier battle groups. However, the historical performance of small missile boats in major naval confrontations suggests vulnerability when operating outside the protection of air defense cover. The wave-piercing catamaran design offers significant operational advantages, such as a potential 50% reduction in speed penalty during high sea conditions. This feature ensures that the Type 22 can maintain higher speeds and maneuverability, enhancing their effectiveness in combat scenarios. Additionally, the design reduces seasickness and disorientation among crew members, maintaining high levels of combat readiness and situational awareness.
The Type 22 missile boat incorporates advanced Command, Control, Communications, Computers (C4) datalink systems. This technology may enable coordination with AWACS planes and other naval assets, allowing for strategic targeting of the boat’s missiles. The integration of such systems represents a significant leap in the PLAN’s network-centric warfare capabilities. The construction of the Type 22 using friction stir welding of aluminum hulls further highlights the PLAN’s adoption of advanced manufacturing techniques. This method ensures a stronger and more durable hull, capable of withstanding the rigors of high-speed naval operations. The ability to quickly deploy a large number of missile boats capable of launching coordinated attacks enhances the PLAN’s deterrence and response capabilities.
