Bangladesh purchases two F22-B frigates from China

Bangladesh is buying two the Chinese Jiangwei II (053H3) frigates. The export versions are called the F-22. The 342 foot long Jiangwei II displaces 2,500 tons, and carries an eight cell short range (8.6 kilometers) surface-to-air missile system, two, four cell anti-ship missile systems (200 kilometers range C-803s), one four cell launcher for rocket launched anti-submarine torpedoes, a 76.2mm gun, two 30mm anti-missiles auto-cannon, and a helicopter. Top speed is 50 kilometers an hour, crew size is 170 sailors, and each ship will cost about $200 million.

Bangladesh is expected to get a large discount, in order to improve diplomatic relations with China. The F-22 has proved to be a popular export item, as it provides a lot of warship for the money.