"Ten Thousand Ton Destroyer" Family Officially Announces New Additions, Debuting Two Ships at Once!

[Global Times - Global Network Report by Reporter Guo Yuandan] On March 8, CCTV's "News Broadcast" unveiled the latest two 055-class missile destroyers, with hull numbers Dongguan (109) and Anqing (110). With this, the number of publicly displayed "10,000-ton destroyers" has increased to 10. Military experts told the Global Times that the simultaneous appearance of two 055-class missile destroyers fully demonstrates the enhancement of our comprehensive national strength and technological level, showcasing that our national defense industry's capabilities have been further improved.

The 055-class missile destroyer holds significant symbolic meaning in the development history of the Chinese Navy. It is the largest, most advanced, and most capable destroyer in the history of the People's Navy.

On January 12, 2020, the first ship of the 055-class missile destroyer, Nanchang (hull number 101), was commissioned. Subsequently, seven more 055-class missile destroyers, including Lhasa (102), Anshan (103), Wuxi (104), Dalian (105), Yan'an (106), Zunyi (107), and Xianyang (108), were publicly unveiled one by one.

Military expert Zhang Junsha told the Global Times in an interview that China currently has three aircraft carriers, and the number of aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships will further increase in the future. At the same time, the protection of far-sea transportation routes, energy channels, and the maintenance of overseas interests all require a large number of large surface combatants for support. "The current scale of the 055-class 10,000-ton destroyers is still insufficient. In the future, we need to continue to expand the construction quantity to further meet the multiple demands of the Chinese Navy for far-sea defense operations, protection of far-sea transportation routes, and maintenance of overseas interests."

Six years have passed, and the "10,000-ton destroyer" family continues to grow. On the evening of the 8th, CCTV's "News Broadcast" released footage of Dongguan (109) and Anqing (110), indicating that these two vessels have also been commissioned.

"Although there are no obvious differences between the latest two 055-class missile destroyers and the previous eight at first glance, their 'internal organs' have changed, the weapon systems have changed, and the combat performance has greatly improved," military expert Song Zhongping told the Global Times on the 8th. On the other hand, the 055-class missile destroyer is known as the "armed escort" of aircraft carriers, accompanying them on missions, and the ammunition carrying capacity must be sufficient. Therefore, the improved 055 missile destroyer has stronger long-range strike capabilities and enhanced air defense and anti-missile capabilities.

Compared to the previous eight 055-class missile destroyers, Zhang Junsha believes that the two newly unveiled ships have significantly improved performance and weaponry. "First, new materials have been used in the superstructure of the hull, applying new design concepts that greatly reduce the radar cross-section (RCS) and lower electromagnetic signal characteristics, further enhancing the stealth performance of the vessel and improving its survivability. Second, the ships have been equipped with new radar systems, significantly increasing the detection range for stealth aircraft, and enhancing reconnaissance, early warning, and information perception capabilities. Third, the power systems have also been improved. The upgraded power systems provide greater thrust and power, offering stronger propulsion support for the vessels. Fourth, this batch of ships may be equipped with more advanced missiles, especially hypersonic missiles, which will extend the strike range and increase the power of the missiles. Additionally, space has been reserved for future equipment of new types of weapons, such as directed energy weapons and electromagnetic guns, which will further enhance the strike capabilities of the vessels."

According to public reports, the previous eight 055-class missile destroyers were deployed in the Northern Theater Navy and the Southern Theater Navy, while the two newly commissioned ships, Dongguan and Anqing, are deployed in the Eastern Theater Navy. Thus, all three major theater navies now have 055-class missile destroyers.

"This indicates that the People's Navy's maritime combat capabilities in the Yellow Bohai Sea, East China Sea, and South China Sea are becoming more balanced," Zhang Junsha analyzed. In particular, the East Sea Fleet bears the important mission of deterring and striking "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. With the addition of the 055-class missile destroyers to the East Sea Fleet, it will significantly enhance the fleet's ability to deter and strike "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, thereby better fulfilling the sacred mission of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"With the commissioning of the second batch of 055-class missile destroyers, the Chinese Navy's far-sea offensive and defensive combat capabilities will be further enhanced," Zhang Junsha said.