Algeria reportedly will produce Type 056 (F-15A) corvettes locally under a license from China.
This move follows the delivery of the first vessel, El Moutassadi (hull number 940), in 2023. The vessel, built in China, marked Algeria’s initial acquisition of this advanced light frigate.
Sources indicate that Algeria has placed an order for six F-15A vessels. However, after the delivery of El Moutassadi, there have been no reports of subsequent ships arriving from Chinese shipyards. Analysts suggest that this gap may have been part of a deliberate strategy to transition production to Algerian facilities, fostering domestic capabilities in naval manufacturing.
The F-15A, categorized as a light frigate, is equipped with a modern suite of weapons and sensors. It features a multi-role design, capable of performing patrol, surveillance, and combat missions. With a displacement of approximately 1,800 tons, it is fitted with advanced radar systems, surface-to-air missiles, and anti-ship weaponry, making it well-suited for Algeria’s maritime security needs.
The decision to produce the vessels domestically represents a significant step forward for Algeria’s naval industry. By manufacturing the F-15A locally, Algeria aims to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers while enhancing its ability to maintain and upgrade its fleet. The initiative also aligns with broader national objectives to strengthen Algeria’s defense industry.
In recent years, Algeria has prioritized modernization across its armed forces, with the Navy receiving particular attention due to the country’s vast maritime borders and critical offshore assets. The addition of the F-15A class vessels is expected to bolster the Navy’s ability to secure its territorial waters and protect key shipping routes in the Mediterranean.