China commissions its first Type 055 Renhai-class large destroyer


The Nanchang (101) during commissioning. Photo c/o Navy Recognition.

The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has commissioned into service its first Type 055 Renhai-class large guided missile destroyer during ceremonies held at the Xiaokouzi Naval Base in Qingdao on 12 January 2020.

The ship, named Nanchang (101) is currently the largest and most advanced destroyer in the PLAN until its sisterships are commissioned, and is even larger than the US Navy’s Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruisers.

The US Navy officially classified the Type 055 Renhai-class as guided missile cruisers.

The Nanchang was built by Changxingdao-Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai, and was launched on 28 June 2017, with sea trials commencing in late 2018. It was first displayed during the PLAN’s Fleet Review as part of its 70th Found Anniversary last 23 April 2019.

It is said to signify China's advancement in naval technology and naval construction, as well as a symbol of strength of the PLAN.

The Type 055 Renhai-class, including the Nanchang, are around 180 meters long, around 20 meters wide, a draft of around 6.6 meters, and has an estimated displacement of around 13,000 tons.

The ship is powered by four (4) QC-280 gas turbine engines in Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) configuration, allowing the ship to a sprint to a maximum speed of 30 knots. 

The Type 055 will be armed with a total of 112 vertical launching systems (VLS) allowing the use of a variety of medium and long-range surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles.

The Type 055’s main armament consists of two cell blocks consisting of a total of 112 vertical launch systems (VLS) capable of firing medium- to long-range surface-to-air [SAM] like the HHQ-9, anti-ship cruise missiles like the YJ-18 missile, and land-attack cruise missiles like the CJ-10 missile. It is also armed with HQ-10 missile launcher and H/PJ-14 close-in weapon system (CIWS) for self-defense, and an H/PJ-38 130mm naval gun

The ship was also designed to allow a future anti-ballistic missile (ABM) systems, as well as lasers and railguns.


[1] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[2] Asia Pacific Defense Journal
[3] Navy Recognition
[4] The Japan Times

China commissions its first Type 055 Renhai-class large destroyer China commissions its first Type 055 Renhai-class large destroyer Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal on January 14, 2020 Rating: 5

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