Type 037IG Houxin was developed as a missile boat during China's transition from coastal defense toward more modern naval capability.
Type 037IG Houxin adapted the Type 037 family into a missile-armed fast attack craft. The design appeared as China shifted from gun and ASW-focused coastal craft toward small vessels able to carry anti-ship missiles. It replaced older missile boats and gave the PLAN a more modern near-seas strike option.
Type 037IG Houxin matched its sensors, weapons and hull form to the missile boat mission rather than a universal fleet role.
Houxin boats used the Type 037 lineage but replaced the ASW emphasis with anti-ship missiles, guns and surface-search/fire-control sensors. The result was a compact missile boat optimized for coastal ambush, patrol and sea-denial roles. It retained the endurance and survivability limits of small craft, so targeting support and shore-based coverage remained important.
Type 037IG Houxin's significance lies in its contribution to PLAN modernization, local defense or regional sea-denial capacity.
Operationally, Houxin boats strengthened China's coastal missile screen before larger corvettes and missile craft became available. They were useful in near-shore waters, straits and island approaches, where small size and missile armament could threaten larger ships if coordinated with shore sensors and air support.
| Name | Country | Status | Service Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CNS Type 092 Xia (406) | 🇨🇳China | RESERVE | 1983 – Present | Type 092 Xia-class SSBN, China first SSBN |
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