China Navy newly commissioned Type 055 destroyer Zunyi conducts exercise.

According to information published by Global Times on November 15, 2023, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has carried out military exercises in the South China Sea using its newly commissioned Type 055 large destroyer, named Zunyi.
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Chinese PLA Navy's Type 055 destroyer Zunyi. (Picture source: Gywb)

This 10,000-ton class destroyer, integrated into the PLA Navy earlier in 2023, undertook various combat-oriented drills, as reported by China Central Television (CCTV).

The exercises involved the Zunyi performing air defense, anti-missile, and sea assault maneuvers in an undisclosed area of the South China Sea. The drills were aimed at testing the ship's capabilities in solo combat situations. According to the CCTV report, the destroyer effectively engaged in practices such as detecting and intercepting aerial targets and responding to simulated attacks from hostile vessels.

Over a period of several days, the Zunyi completed a comprehensive set of training exercises. These included coordination with small boats, combined vessel-helicopter search and rescue operations, and light arms firing, among others.

The purpose of these exercises was to familiarize the crew with the new equipment and to enhance its application in joint combat scenarios.The Zunyi, the seventh Type 055 destroyer in the PLA Navy, has undergone extensive training for more than half a year and is reported to be nearing combat readiness.

These military exercises by the PLA Navy in the South China Sea coincide with ongoing regional tensions, particularly involving the Philippines.

About the Type 055

Zunyi has a standard displacement of 11,000 tonnes, which increases to between 12,000 and 13,000 tonnes when fully loaded. The destroyer measures 180 meters in length and has a beam of 20 meters, with a draught of 6.6 meters.

The ship's power comes from six QD-50 turbine generators, each producing 5 MW (6,700 hp), resulting in a total installed power of 30 MW (40,000 shp). Its propulsion is provided by a COGAG system, consisting of four QC-280 gas turbines, each offering 28 MW (38,000 hp), for a total propulsion power of 112 MW (150,000 shp). This setup enables the Type 055 to reach speeds of up to 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph) and maintain a range of 5,000 nautical miles (9,300 km) at a cruising speed of 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph).

Accommodating over 300 personnel, the Type 055 is equipped with advanced sensor and processing systems, including the Type 346B Dragon Eye (C/S-band) radar and X-band radar. Its electronic warfare capabilities comprise an electronic warfare system and Type 726-4 decoy launchers.

The armament of the Type 055 includes a 130 mm H/PJ-38 gun, a 30 mm H/PJ-11 CIWS, and a 24-cell HQ-10 surface-to-air missile launcher. Additionally, it has 112 GJB 5860-2006 VLS cells for various missiles and torpedoes, such as HHQ-9, YJ-18, YJ-21, CJ-10, and Yu-7 torpedoes.

For aviation operations, the Type 055 can carry two medium-lift helicopters, including models like the Harbin Z-9, Changhe Z-18, and Harbin Z-20. These helicopters are accommodated in the stern hangar and can operate from the ship's helicopter landing platform. The Type 055 destroyer, with its diverse capabilities, plays a multifaceted role in modern naval warfare, ranging from air defense to anti-submarine operations.