Type-037-II (Houjian)

The Type 037-II Houjian-class missile boat is a class of missile-armed patrol boats in the People's Liberation Army Navy. It is an improved version of the Type 037-I Hainan-class submarine chaser, designed for coastal defense and anti-surface warfare.

Developed in the late 1980s by the Huangpu Shipyard, the Type 037-II was designed to provide the People's Liberation Army Navy with a more sophisticated, missile-capable patrol vessel to secure coastal waters and prepare for the maritime defense of Hong Kong. The lead vessel of the class, Yangjiang, officially entered service in 1991. These vessels became highly visible symbols of Chinese sovereignty when they were deployed as the primary naval component of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison following the 1997 handover. Although only six units were constructed, the class paved the way for modern Chinese corvette designs and remains partially active in patrol and training roles.