On 3 July, China launched two Type 055 guided-missile destroyers at a shipbuilding facility in Dalian, Liaoning province.

According to Chinese media, two of the Type 055 destroyers constructed for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) were launched at the same time on Tuesday.

The Type 055 destroyer (NATO/OSD Renhai-class cruiser) is a class of guided missile designed for long-range air defence, anti-surface warfare (ASuW), anti-air warfare (AAW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), electronic warfare (EW), land and maritime strike, escort, long-range patrol and surveillance missions.

With advanced active phased array radar system and battle management system, the Type 055 destroyer will form China’s anti-missile system together with the 052D destroyer, serving as part of the so-called Chinese Aegis.

The Naval Technology noted that the new Chinese destroyer features an aft helicopter deck for supporting the operations of a single medium-size rotorcraft such as Harbin Z-9 and Changhe Z-18 helicopters. It is also equipped with a stern hangar facility to house up to two helicopters.

Type 055 has a length of 180m, an overall beam of 20m and a 6.6m hull draught. With a full load displacement of approximately 13,000t, the warship is heavier than the US Navy’s Ticonderoga-Class cruisers and Arleigh Burke Class destroyers.