China retires four Type 051D Luda-class destroyers

Retired Type 051D Luda-class destroyers of the PLAN. Photo c/o Military.cnr.cn.


As the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) continue to modernize, the service retired four (4) of its elder Type 051 Luda-class destroyers to give way to newer models built to replace them.

The ships, named Kaifeng (109), Dalian (110), Zunyi (134) and Guilin (164) were retired on 16 May 2019, and all have been in service with the PLAN for more than 30 years.

Due to difficulty in sustaining their steam propulsion, analysts believe that the ships are not likely to be sold or handed-over to another navy.

The PLAN still has two more Type 051s, the Zhangjiang (165) and Zhuhai (166), both of which are reaching 30 years in service. 

The Type 051 Luda-class were primarily designed for surface warfare, packing up to 16 YJ-83 (C-803) anti-ship missiles and a heavy gun armament. 

They are being replaced with the new Type Type 052D Luyang III-class guided missile destroyers that are larger and twice heavier than the ships they replace.



[1]  Jane’s Defence Weekly
[2] Military.cnr.cn

China retires four Type 051D Luda-class destroyers China retires four Type 051D Luda-class destroyers Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal on May 20, 2019 Rating: 5

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