The PLA Navy's 155mm Naval Gun Makes Its Debut on Test Ship: A Major Leap in China's Amphibious Combat Firepower Projection Capability

On February 23, 2026, photos circulating on Chinese social media platforms showed a large-caliber 155mm naval gun installed on a test vessel of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), marking a significant technological breakthrough in the Chinese Navy's firepower projection capabilities. This development not only represents a historic upgrade in the caliber of the Chinese Navy's main guns but also profoundly impacts the military balance of power in the Western Pacific region, particularly in the fields of amphibious operations and land strikes.

According to public image analysis, this 155mm naval gun is installed at the bow position of a test platform vessel at the Dalian Liaonan Shipyard in Liaoning. The length of the gun barrel and the shape of the turret closely match those of the 155mm naval gun developed by the China North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco), which was photographed during road transport in early 2025. The appearance of this weapon system on a sea trial test vessel indicates that the project has transitioned from the land development phase to the maritime testing phase, with full testing expected to be completed and mass production initiated within the next one to two years.

From a technical specification standpoint, the performance parameters of this 155mm naval gun are impressive. Reports indicate that the gun system weighs approximately 21.8 tons and is capable of firing guided munitions, with a range potentially exceeding 100 kilometers, far surpassing the effective range of traditional naval guns. In contrast, the 130mm H/PJ-38 naval guns commonly equipped on the current main surface vessels of the PLA Navy, while having a fast rate of fire, have significant limitations in range and single-shot power. The 155mm caliber makes the new naval gun the largest caliber main gun system in modern navies, even exceeding the initially planned 155mm Advanced Gun System (AGS) for the U.S. Navy's DDG-1000 Zumwalt-class destroyers.

The strategic significance of this weapon system lies in its provision of powerful land fire support capabilities for the PLA Navy. In amphibious landing scenarios, large-caliber naval guns can provide precise suppression of beachhead defenses in the pre-landing phase, clearing a path for landing forces. Compared to missile systems, traditional naval guns offer advantages in cost-effectiveness and sustained fire support capabilities, especially when facing high-intensity, long-duration fire support demands. The use of 155mm guided shells also means that naval guns can conduct precision strikes, reducing collateral damage, which is of particular value in complex combat environments, especially in urban and coastal areas.

From the perspective of operational platforms, this 155mm naval gun is most likely to be installed on the future improved version of the Type 075 amphibious assault ship or a new generation of large amphibious combat vessels. The currently commissioned Type 075 amphibious assault ships of the Chinese Navy have a displacement of over 40,000 tons and possess the capability to carry large naval gun systems. Additionally, the under-construction Type 076 electromagnetic catapult amphibious assault ship may also become a potential platform for this weapon system. In contrast, the existing Type 052D and Type 055 destroyers focus more on air defense and anti-ship operations, with main gun calibers of 130mm and 130mm, primarily used for short-range defense and auxiliary strike missions.

This technological development also reflects the continuous progress of Chinese defense enterprises in the field of large-caliber naval gun technology. The China North Industries Group has long accumulated rich experience in army artillery systems, including advanced systems such as the PLZ-05 155mm self-propelled howitzer and the PCL-181 wheeled howitzer. Transforming mature army artillery technology into naval gun systems can reduce development costs and cycles while achieving ammunition standardization and improving logistical support efficiency. It is reported that the 155mm naval gun can use the same ammunition system as the army artillery, including high-explosive shells, guided shells, and extended-range munitions, which will significantly enhance the PLA's joint operational capabilities.

At the regional strategic level, the deployment of the 155mm naval gun will significantly enhance the PLA Navy's near-sea combat capabilities in the Western Pacific region, particularly in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea directions. The range of this weapon system can cover most areas of the Taiwan Strait, providing strong fire support for potential amphibious operations. At the same time, it can also support defensive operations on South China Sea islands against possible external interventions. For neighboring countries and regions, the enhancement of the PLA Navy's firepower projection capabilities will prompt them to reassess their military situations and defense strategies.

It is noteworthy that this development has also sparked discussions about the future direction of naval gun systems. Although missile systems have clear advantages in precision strikes and long-range attacks, the unique value of large-caliber naval guns in cost-effectiveness, sustained fire, and close support remains irreplaceable. After the U.S. Navy canceled the 155mm naval gun project for the DDG-1000, it has also begun to reassess the role of naval gun systems in recent years, including the development of new types of munitions such as hypervelocity projectiles (HVP). The continued investment of the Chinese Navy in this field indicates that traditional naval gun systems still hold an important position in modern naval warfare.

As sea trials progress, external observers will closely monitor the testing progress and final deployment platform of the 155mm naval gun. The successful development and equipping of this weapon system will mark a significant step forward for the PLA Navy in amphibious operations and land strike capabilities, further consolidating China's military influence in the Asia-Pacific region. For international observers, this development once again demonstrates the rapid progress of China's defense industry and the firm pace of the PLA's modernization efforts.