Algeria shifts maritime defense as Chinese corvette plans sail ahead
The Algerian Ministry of Defense has announced plans to begin constructing Chinese Type 056 corvettes in local shipyards, effectively canceling the long-negotiated contract for purchasing Russian missile corvettes of Project 22380.
The Chinese corvette was designed by the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Group, one of the leading ship manufacturers in the world. Currently, the Type 056 corvette is among the most modern warships in Africa. Algeria plans to acquire an additional six units, with at least one being built in a local shipyard.
To accomplish this, Algeria has started expanding the shipyards in Annaba in cooperation with Italy. Once completed, the shipyard will be able to produce corvette-class warships with hull lengths of up to 164 feet.
Russia loses market
For years, Russia has been attempting to sell its warships to Algeria, offering options such as the Vasily Bykov-class corvettes of Project 22160 and 22380 corvettes equipped with Kh-35 missiles. However, Chinese ships have gained the upper hand, which is a significant setback for Russia, given that Algeria was seen as a loyal customer.
China is rapidly capturing the defense market in Algeria, offering products such as YJ-12B cruise missiles, CH-4 and WJ-700 drones, WM-80 rocket artillery systems, and HQ-9B air defense systems. Algeria is also considering the purchase of Chinese VT-4 tanks.
Cooperation with China
This change in trading partners is notable, considering that over 85% of the equipment in the Algerian army originates from Russia.
Algeria is still finalizing the purchase of the Su-57 fighter jet from Russia. In recent years, it has also acquired items such as Project 877 and 636.6 submarines from Russia.
