In a context of increasing naval activity in Asia and surrounding regions, a newly modernized version of the Type 052D missile destroyer of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) was spotted taking part in a training exercise. This deployment, according to analysts, would have served to evaluate new technological capabilities that have been incorporated into the vessel.
In recent days, a detachment of destroyers from the Southern Theater Command of the PLAN was deployed along with other ships for the execution of a naval exercise that included the participation of the Weinan and the Yulin. In this context, several exercises were carried out in different maritime zones which, according to naval force authorities, aimed to evaluate coordination and decision-making capability.
However, the released images revealed the presence of modifications in the guided missile destroyer Weinan (166) of the Type 052D class. Unlike other versions of this class, which feature spherical domes to house the radars on the main mast, the ship is equipped with a new dual-face radar in an arrangement similar to those installed on the new stealth frigates Type 054B.
According to experts, this new radar system seen on the destroyer could be a modified version of the radars currently equipping the Type 052D, and is likely an antenna of an active electronically scanned array (AESA) dual-face rotating radar, indicating an upgrade in electronic equipment compared to the original configuration of the class. However, this technology was first observed on the aforementioned Type 054B frigates, which present a much greater leap in capabilities than other classes. The incorporation of this type of systems and sensors aims to provide Chinese ships with greater capabilities to detect and track aerial and maritime targets at increasingly longer distances.
On the other hand, various reports agree that this would not be the first time an improved version of the Type 052D has been detected. In April of this year, official Chinese media reported on a modified variant that incorporated an additional radar to expand detection and early warning capabilities, an extended flight deck to operate a wider variety of helicopters, and an updated vertical launch system capable of employing different types of missiles.
Finally, although the Chinese Navy continues to advance in the development and incorporation of new variants, analysts highlight that the base design of the Type 052D continues to be highly efficient, thanks to its intermediate displacement that allows it to operate both in areas near the coast and in the open sea on long-duration voyages. Additionally, its integrated capabilities in air defense, anti-surface warfare, and anti-submarine warfare have positioned it as one of the most versatile and capable ships in the PLAN fleet.
*Photos used for illustrative purposes.
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