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Type 052D destroyer (left) and Type 055 destroyer (right) during the launch ceremony in Dalian Harbor on August 30 – Photo: TWITTER
Global times On August 31, the launching ceremony of the two most powerful destroyers of the Chinese navy took place in the port of Dalian in Liaoning province.
“New Chinese warships may be on par with the world’s leading destroyers, including the American Arleigh Burke class and the American Zumwalt class,” the Beijing government newspaper said with confidence.
The Type 055 is the largest destroyer in the world, with a total displacement of more than 13,000 tons, almost double that of a Type 052D class destroyer (7,500 tons).
Per page Naval newsIt has only been 36 months since the first Type 055 was launched (June 2017). During that time, however, China released eight Type 055s.
If 13 Type 052Ds are included in the same period, in just 36 months China launched 21 destroyers. On average, about 51 days, Chinese shipyards launch a destroyer – amazing speed!
diary The diplomat Japan estimated that China was currently armed with about 20 destroyers with the “Chinese Aegis” combat system.
In the next four to five years, this number will increase to 39-40 units, including 6 Type 052C, 25-26 Type 052D and 8 Type 055.
Despite admitting that China builds ships very quickly, military observers also question the quality of these warships.
Unlike the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers that have participated in many battles in the Middle East, Chinese warships have not had the opportunity to test fire in real combat situations.
Chinese Type 055 destroyer Nanchang fires 130mm main guns during sea exercises – Source: Twitter People’s Daily
On August 28, China held a border removal ceremony for two Type 051 destroyers at the Zhanjiang naval base in Guangdong province. These were the last two Type 051-class warships to be removed from the PLAN. Some ships of this class have become target ships or floating museums.
In nearly 20 years, from 1970 to 1990, China built just 17 Type 051 destroyers. Zhang Junshe, a senior fellow at the China Naval Research Institute, argues that China’s massive shipbuilding today is not aimed at the arms race or in the service of any plan.
“Beijing only wants to make up for losses in the initial stage of opening up the country, when China focuses on economic development but forgets to develop its defense. China will intensify its military and defense capabilities to protect its economic development achievements, “said academic Zhang.
According to the Global timesThe Type 051 belongs to the second generation of destroyers of the Chinese navy. The Type 052C and Type 052D are classified as the third generation, while the Type 055 is classified as the newest fourth generation.
