Type 037II (Houjian)

Type 037II Houjian was another missile-boat development from China's Type 037 family, associated with Hong Kong-area patrol and coastal strike requirements. It reflected a 1990s PLAN effort to field compact missile craft with improved electronics and a more modern arrangement than earlier Hainan-derived boats.

Houjian boats carried anti-ship missiles, gun armament and radar/fire-control equipment on a relatively small hull. They were more missile-attack craft than ASW chasers, intended to use speed, local knowledge and coastal support to launch strikes. Their size constrained endurance and air defense, making them most suitable for protected near-seas operations.

Operationally, Houjian craft supported coastal defense, patrol and quick-reaction missile missions. They were relevant during the period before China fielded larger numbers of modern corvettes, frigates and missile catamarans. Their role was local sea denial, not independent blue-water combat.