[Jane's Defence: Cambodia Receives Extended 056-class Frigate Built by China]

According to a report published on April 17, 2026, by Jane’s Defence Weekly website (Janes), recent satellite imagery indicates that the new 056-class frigate built by China for Cambodia is one of the largest improved variants observed within this series to date. This development is expected to significantly enhance the Royal Cambodian Navy’s capability to conduct long-range patrols and other maritime operations.

Imagery analysis suggests that the new frigate arriving at Ream Naval Base has an estimated hull length of approximately 95 meters—about 5 meters longer than standard 056 and 056A variants, which are typically reported to be between 88 and 90 meters in length.

This makes Cambodia’s vessel among the largest confirmed ships in the 056 series to date, slightly smaller only than Algeria’s sole Chinese-built 056 derivative—the El Moutassadi-class—and comparable in size to Nigeria’s Centenary-class frigates.

In contrast, all current 056 and 056A frigates in service with the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), as well as export models operated by Bangladesh, conform to the standard hull dimensions associated with the Jiangdao-class.

Historical satellite images indicate that this Cambodian warship likely arrived at Ream Naval Base on April 4.

Imagery from April 8 shows the ship’s superstructure adorned with "dressing lines"—a traditional method of hoisting signal flags often associated with commissioning ceremonies, handover events, or other formal naval activities.

The presence of these dressing lines strongly supports the assessment that the vessel is being formally commissioned into active service with the Royal Cambodian Navy, rather than being one of the two previously reported 056A frigates already present at Ream since 2023.

Disclaimer: The equipment data above is sourced from Jane’s Defence Weekly reporting.

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Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862708863268043/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.