Chinese Navy (PLAN) Refitting its Type 051B Destroyer Shenzhen With CIWS and VLS System.

Based on the picture, the destroyer has been fitted with H/PJ-11 eleven-barreled 30mm Close In Weapon System (CIWS) (the system is reffered sometimes as Type 1130 which is the export designation). One H/PJ-11 is visible on starboard side but it is almost certain another one is fitted on the port side, in a similar configuration to the Type 054A Frigates of the PLAN. The CIWS are replacing the old Type 76A 37mm anti-aircraft guns on Shenzhen.

Also noticeable on the new pictures of Shenzhen's refit are four Type 345 (Front-Dome type) illuminators, hinting that the destroyer will highly likely be fitted with a number of VLS (vertical launch system) cells for HQ-16 surface to air missiles in place of the eight unit HQ-7 SAM launcher (Chinese variant of the French Crotale SAM).

Two new mast structures are being fitted, with a Type 381 search radar on the forward mast and a Type 364 targeting radar (under dome) on the aft mast. The helicopter hangar appears to have been modified to carry a single Ka-28 ASW helicopter in place of the original dual Z-9.

The old Type 79 Twin 100mm gun is being replaced as well with a H/PJ-26 76mm or the large H/PJ-38 130mm gun.

Overall, the Type 051B destroyer will be pretty close to the PLAN Type 054A frigates in terms of weapons and sensors.

The 6,000 tonne Type 051B Shenzhen was laid down in 1996 at Dalian shipyard, commissioned in 1998, and was then the largest surface combatant that China had ever built.

Type 051B main weapons fit included a Type 79 Twin 100mm main gun, four Type 76A 37mm anti-aircraft guns on top of the helicopter hangar, eight unit HQ-7 SAM launcher behind the main gun forward, and eight C-802 anti-ship missiles.