Chinese shipyard makes progress on second Algerian corvette

[Zarvan]

The Algerian Navy's second C28A corvette has been photographed with its main weapon systems, a fire control radar, and a radome. Source: Shanghai Hobby internet forum
Images on the Chinese internet suggest that China's Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard has begun outfitting the second of three C28A corvettes destined for the Algerian Navy with main weapon systems.

IHS Jane's reported in February that the vessel, with pennant number 921, had been launched with only two Type 730 series close-in weapon system (CIWS) turrets installed. Latest images show that the ship has now received its 76 mm main gun and an octuple FM-90N launcher for short-range HQ-7 surface-to-air missiles.

A China Shipbuilding Trading Company (CSTC) official who spoke to IHS Jane's in April 2014 at the DSA 2014 exhibition in Kuala Lumpur said that the ship will also be equipped with two quad launchers for the YJ-82 (C-802) surface-to-surface missiles.

The vessel has also been installed with a radome for what will likely be the Type 364 air and surface search radar. Also visible is a fire control radar system which appears to be either the Type 345 or Type 343G. However the ship's Smart-S radar antenna, visible in photographs of its launching, seems to have been removed.

Thales is supplying its Smart-S Mk 2 radar and command, control, and communication systems for the Algerian corvettes but IHS Jane's understands that sensitive components and software will only be installed after the vessels have been delivered to Algeria due to industrial espionage concerns.

Algeria is expected to receive its first C28A corvette later in 2015. The country signed a contract for three ships with CSTC in early 2012 and may sign on for a further three, IHS Jane's understands from Chinese and Algerian sources.

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Chinese shipyard makes progress on second Algerian corvette - IHS Jane's 360