China hands over two new corvette class warships to Bangladesh

BEIJING: China has handed over two most advanced corvette class warships with ability to sail at a maximum speed of 25.5 knots on the high seas besides versatile combat capacity and excellent manoeuvrability to the Bangladesh navy, state media here reported today.

China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) delivered the two vessels to the Bangladesh navy in Qidong City, east China's Jiangsu Province.

With a displacement of 1300 tons, the 90-metre long and 11-metre wide corvettes are of China's most advanced export warship type, state-run People's Daily reported.

Corvette class ships are larger than a patrol craft but smaller than a frigate.

The two vessels will be the key warships of Bangladesh navy, Zhu Xuejun, chief engineer of the CSIC said.

"Decked out with powerful weapons, the vessels are able to sail at a max speed of 25.5 knots on the high seas. They have comprehensive combat capacity and excellent manoeuvrability," Zhu said.