Some 16 of the class were completed between 1971 and 1991 by three yards (Luda, Shanghai and Dalian), and one unit was scrapped after an explosion of Zanijiang in August 1978. The ships have possessed an underway replenishment capability since the early 1980s, but have poor command and control facilities. In 1987, Jinan was refitted with a hangar and flight platform aft for two Z-9A helicopters, replacing the after gun mountings and the depth-charge throwers, to become the sole Luda II-class trials vessel.

China has made several attempts to obtain Western armament and electronics for these ships, but almost all of these failed. The sole exceptions are the French Crotale octuple launcher for the HQ-7 SAM (and associated radar) in Kaifeng, Dalian and Xian, and the Tavitac combat data system (complete with Vega fire-control system) in some ships. The Luda III-class ship Zhuhai was completed in 1991 with four twin launchers for YJ-1 (CSS-N-4 Sardine) surface-to-surface missiles, two triple tubes for Mk 46 torpedoes and much French electronic gear. CY-1 anti-submarine missiles may be fitted on the after set of missile launchers.