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Hello everyone! I would like to suggest the Djebel Chenoua-class corvette of the Algerian Navy, a fast and agile light ship armed with C-802 anti-ship missiles and a 76mm AK-176 main gun. This vessel combines the compact, Soviet-inspired hull design with Chinese missile technology and modern electronics, providing the Algerian Navy with a versatile and cost-effective platform capable of long-range strikes, coastal patrol, and hit-and-run naval engagements.
History
The Djebel Chenoua-class corvettes were developed by Algeria in the late 1980s and early 1990s as part of a push to modernize their naval forces. Built at the ECRN shipyard in Mers-el-Kebir, these ships combined Soviet hull design principles with Chinese missile technology, most notably the C-802 anti-ship missile.
A total of 4 ships were commissioned, forming the backbone of Algeria’s coastal defense and patrol capabilities. Their speed, small size, and missile armament made them ideal for hit-and-run tactics, especially in the confined waters of the Mediterranean. Over the years, they have been deployed in naval exercises, patrols, and search-and-rescue operations, proving their versatility despite their light armor and limited size.
The class remains in service today, representing an interesting blend of Eastern naval technology adapted to Algeria’s specific defense needs, and offering a unique example of a North African missile corvette in modern naval warfare.
Specifications
Type: Light/Medium Ship – Corvette / Anti-Ship
Displacement: ~550 tons
Length: 58.4 m
Beam: 8.5 m
Draught: 2.59 m
Propulsion: 3 × MTU 20V-538-TB92 diesel engines, 9,400 kW
Speed: 31 knots
Crew: 52
Armament:
- Main Gun: 1 × AK-176 76mm – bow-mounted, capable of engaging small ships and shore targets
- CIWS/Secondary guns: 1 × AK-630 30mm, 2 × 40mm twin mounts, 4 × 23mm twin mounts – for close-in defense and aircraft
- Missiles: 4 × C-802 anti-ship missiles (2×2 launchers) – long-range, active radar homing
Electronics & Sensors:
- Surface search radar: Racal Decca 1226
- Fire control radar: Type 88C optronic director
- Integrated combat system with radar and optronic targeting
The Djebel Chenoua-class corvettes are equipped with a mix of Soviet and Chinese weapon systems that make them quite formidable for their size. The main gun is the Soviet-made AK-176 76mm cannon, mounted on the bow, which provides the ship with a reliable all-purpose weapon. It is capable of engaging surface targets, shore positions, and even low-flying aircraft, giving the corvette a flexible tool for a variety of combat situations.
For close-in defense, the ships carry the AK-630 30mm gatling CIWS, positioned aft. This system is designed to deal with aircraft, helicopters, and incoming missiles, creating a dense field of fire that can also be turned against small fast-attack boats. To further strengthen its defensive firepower, the class is armed with 40mm and 23mm twin mounts, offering additional protection in close combat.
But the real striking power of the Djebel Chenoua comes from its C-802 anti-ship missiles, mounted in two twin launchers. These Chinese-designed weapons are based on the French Exocet family but feature a longer range of up to 120km and active radar homing in the terminal phase. For a ship of this displacement, carrying four C-802s makes it a serious threat to larger vessels.
To operate these weapons effectively, the ships are fitted with a mix of Western and Chinese electronics. The british Racal Decca 1226 surface search radar is used for navigation and surface target detection, while the Type 88C optronic director manages fire control for both guns and missiles. This system integrates radar and optical sensors, allowing the ship to acquire and track targets in different conditions. Together with its combat management system, the Djebel Chenoua can coordinate its various weapons smoothly despite its relatively small size.
In-game
While War Thunder’s naval tree mostly focuses on World War II and Cold War-era ships, the Djebel Chenoua-class could represent a possible step forward if Gaijin decides to expand naval gameplay into the late Cold War/early modern era. It is not a massive missile destroyer or a high-tech stealth ship, rather, it’s a small and relatively simple corvette, which makes it a more realistic candidate for introduction compared to larger and more modern vessels.
Overall, in-game the Djebel Chenoua would be a fast ambusher, perfect for players who like hit-and-run tactics. Its introduction would also serve as a nice “test case” for gradually bringing more modern ships into War Thunder, without jumping straight into advanced missile destroyers or guided-missile cruisers. The ship would also be suitable for the Soviet or Chinese trees.
Sources
- https://inf.news/en/military/b098302d1d132a5e06591c05acf8ec07.html
- DJEBEL CHENOUA corvettes (1988-2002) - Algerian Navy (Algeria)
- Algerian Navy – Corvettes and Patrol Ships – The Searchers
- Jane’s Fighting Ships 2002–2003. Coulsdon, Surrey, UK: Jane’s Information Group. (ISBN 0-7106-24328)