China Flexes Naval Muscle with Type 052D Destroyers in Action.

According to information published by the People's Daily on January 9, 2025, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) conducted a high-intensity live-fire maritime training exercise involving its advanced Type 052D guided-missile destroyers. The highlight of the training was the deployment of the destroyer's close-in weapon system (CIWS), designed to neutralize incoming aerial threats such as missiles and aircraft.
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Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy's Type 052D destroyer. (Picture source: People's Daily)

The ship's design emphasizes reduced radar cross-section through a highly inclined superstructure and integrated mast. It features a centrally aligned helicopter hangar capable of supporting various rotorcraft, including the Harbin Z-9C, Kamov Ka-28, and the larger Zhi-20 in its extended version, the Type 052DL. This evolution underscores the PLAN's focus on flexibility in maritime and anti-submarine operations.

With a displacement of approximately 7,500 tons when fully loaded, the Type 052D employs a combined diesel or gas propulsion system, allowing speeds up to 30 knots and an operational range of 4,500 nautical miles. Its complement of roughly 280 personnel ensures the effective management of its sophisticated systems and weaponry.

The destroyer is outfitted with a 64-cell vertical launch system capable of deploying a variety of missiles. Its arsenal includes the HHQ-9 for long-range air defense, the YJ-18 anti-ship cruise missile with supersonic terminal speeds, the CJ-10 land-attack cruise missile for deep strike missions, and the CY-5 for anti-submarine warfare. Complementing its missile systems are a 130 mm H/PJ-38 naval gun, a short-range HHQ-10 surface-to-air missile system, and either the Type 730 or Type 1130 close-in weapon systems for point defense.

The ship's advanced sensor suite, highlighted by the Type 346A active electronically scanned array radar, provides enhanced air and surface surveillance capabilities, ensuring a robust defense network. This integration of radar and fire control systems allows the Type 052D to excel in multiple roles, including air defense, anti-ship, anti-submarine, and land-attack missions.

Comments

In times of conflict, the Type 052D serves as a key multi-role combatant. Its advanced missile systems provide robust air defense for carrier strike groups or other naval formations, protecting high-value assets from aerial threats such as enemy aircraft or cruise missiles. Its anti-ship missiles, like the YJ-18, offer a potent offensive capability to challenge adversarial fleets or establish control over contested maritime zones. The ship’s anti-submarine warfare systems, including sonar, helicopters, and the CY-5 missiles, make it invaluable for detecting and neutralizing underwater threats, particularly in strategic chokepoints or critical sea lanes.

In land-attack roles, the Type 052D’s CJ-10 cruise missiles enable precise strikes on enemy infrastructure, extending China's reach deep into potential conflict zones. This capability complements broader military operations by disrupting adversarial logistics, command centers, or air defense systems.