China launches new Type 052DL destroyer in Dalian.

According to information published by 163.com on August 30, 2023, the Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company has launched a new Type 052DL destroyer.
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Chinese Type 052DL destroyer Nanning in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Picture source: Navy Recognition)

Compared to the more publicized large ocean-going Type 054B frigate, the newly launched 052DL advanced air-defense destroyer stands out in terms of tonnage and combat capability. This ship is the 9th out of 10 Type 052DL improved-type destroyers that the Chinese Navy has committed to building.

Specifications of the Type 052DL advanced destroyer include a full-load displacement exceeding 7,500 tons, and an impressive 64-cell 850mm VLS (Vertical Launching System) – a standard in the Chinese Navy and the largest globally.

This state-of-the-art system can vertically launch a variety of missiles, such as the YJ-18 anti-ship cruise missile, YJ-21 hypersonic anti-ship missile, HHQ-9 long-range air-defense missile, Type 8 (YU-8) rocket-assisted torpedo, and the CJ-10 land-attack cruise missile.

Future modifications might enable these destroyers to store and launch the HQ-26 long-range air defense missile system, transforming these vessels into mobile anti-ballistic missile platforms.

This missile system is not just designed for intercepting cruise and anti-ship missiles but is robust enough to counter mid-to-long-range ballistic missiles and even intercontinental threats.

The Type 052DL's primary armament features a single-barreled 130mm naval gun, a Type 1130 close-in weapon system, a 24-cell HQ-10 short-range air-defense missile launcher, dual triple-tube 324mm torpedo launchers, four 18-cell 122mm rocket launchers, and a Z-9C or Ka-28 ASW helicopter. The latter is expected to be eventually replaced by the more advanced Z-20F ASW helicopter.