While relatively unsophisticated, the class has enjoyed a longevity in active service thanks to a philosophy within PLAN which has continued to favor its use.

Powered by Soviet-era engines, the hydrofoil-equipped boats are capable of 50 knots (93 km/h; 58 mph) and carry two torpedo tubes, with some known to be armed with naval mines.

The torpedo boats are powered by three Type M 50F diesel engines rated at 3,300 horsepower (2,461 kW) driving three shafts.

Their stealthiness and high speed are useful for surprise attacks on an enemy from coastal hideouts, such as caves, if the boats are integrated into an overall system that includes a supporting C4ISR structure, as well as shore defenses, aircraft, and larger ships.

As a result of this philosophy, the production of Type 025 torpedo boats lasted well into the 1990s, despite the fact that the retirement of early units of this class had already begun in the mid 1980s.

The Type 025 was originally designed to solve the problems presented by existing Soviet torpedo boats in the Chinese inventory.