Chinese intelligence ship Tianlangxing spotted near Japanese Islands.

According to a tweet published by Chris Cavas on July 7, 2022, the Chinese Type 815 intelligence ship Tianlangxing was spotted near the Japanese Islands.
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Chinese Type 815G spy ship Tianlangxing (Picture source: Japanese MoD)

Type 815, as well as its derivatives, Type 815G and Type 815A, are Chinese electronic surveillance ships in service with the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).

Type 815 spy ship has received NATO reporting name Dongdiao class (meaning East Investigation), while its successors Type 815G & 815A have received NATO reporting name Dongdiao II class.

The ship is 130 meters long; 16.4 meters wide; 6.5 meters draft; 5998 tons full load displacement. The main engine is powered by a diesel engine and propelled by two shafts; the maximum speed is 20 knots.

After entering service in the latter half of 1999, the ship went through a major upgrade several years later, with parabolic antennas replaced by three large radomes. In addition to collecting electronic intelligence, this class is also tasked to perform ballistic missile tracking. There is a hangar for a helicopter.