Three Types of "Divine Shield Warships" Rarely Share the Stage: Highlights of Sino-Russian Joint Maritime Patrol
On July 13, the China-Russia "Maritime Joint-2026" joint exercise concluded, and subsequently, some forces from both sides immediately began their journey to organize a joint maritime patrol in relevant waters of the Pacific. This is the twelfth joint maritime exercise held by the navies of China and Russia and the seventh joint maritime patrol organized. What are the characteristics or highlights of this exercise? Let's take a look at the expert interpretation.
Military Observer Wei Dongxu: The biggest highlight of this exercise and the subsequent joint patrol is the presence of three types of "Aegis warships." The largest is the Chinese Navy's Type 055 destroyer, which has powerful area air defense capabilities and can provide a comprehensive air defense and missile defense "umbrella" for destroyer formations and even larger maritime mixed formations; it is the largest "shield."
The Chinese Navy also deployed the Type 052D destroyer, which is similarly equipped with phased array radar, with combat capabilities more focused on air defense while also addressing anti-submarine and anti-ship strike capabilities. Throughout the process of utilizing joint maritime forces, it can be used in conjunction with the Type 055 destroyer to more efficiently execute defense and long-range strike missions.
The new type of frigate participating from Russia is a small "Aegis warship," equipped with an integrated stealth mast and dual-band radar, with strong medium-range air defense capabilities and also capable of performing anti-submarine missions. The combination of three types of "Aegis warships" in large, medium, and small sizes is quite rare.
How will the Chinese and Russian vessels be organized?
Who will command them?
Military Observer Wei Dongxu: Both sides' large warships have the capability to command formations. However, in terms of informatization and battlefield awareness capabilities, the Type 055 destroyer has a clear advantage—strong communication capabilities, long radar detection range, and large displacement, making it suitable as the command platform for the entire formation system. The joint command team can be established on the Type 055 destroyer, responsible for situational awareness over a wide area, with more secure communication channels, and can connect with other warships.
On July 13, 2026, China and Russia concluded joint naval exercises in the Pacific Ocean, featuring three types of Aegis warships: a Chinese 055 destroyer, a Chinese 052D destroyer, and a new-type Russian frigate. The 055 destroyer is designated as the command platform due to its advanced capabilities. This event marks the twelfth series of joint naval exercises and emphasizes the strengthening military cooperation between the two nations.
- China and Russia conducted joint naval exercises on July 13, 2026.
- Three types of Aegis warships participated: one 055 destroyer, one 052D destroyer, and one Russian frigate.
- The 055 destroyer serves as a command platform due to its advanced capabilities.
- The joint patrols are part of the twelfth series of joint naval exercises between China and Russia.
- The exercises highlight the growing military cooperation between the two nations.