The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China has recently reached a new milestone in the expansion of its surface fleet with the incorporation of two new Type 055 guided-missile destroyers, bringing the total number of units of this class currently in service to ten. The information emerged after Chinese state media released images of the ships Dongguan (109) and Anqing (110) participating in naval exercises alongside other units of the fleet.
According to a report issued by China Central Television (CCTV), both vessels were observed carrying out joint maneuvers at sea, marking their first public appearance in official media. Until now, the Chinese Navy had eight operational Type 055 destroyers, identified with the hull numbers: Nanchang (101), Lhasa (102), Anshan (103), Wuxi (104), Dalian (105), Yan’an (106), Zunyi (107), and the most recent, Xianyang (108). With the addition of the new Dongguan (109) and Anqing (110), the total now rises to ten units.
According to available information, the first eight destroyers were assigned to the Northern and Southern Theater fleets of the Chinese Navy, while the two new units have reportedly been assigned to the Eastern Theater, responsible for operations in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. With this distribution, the Type 055 destroyers are now present in the three main regional naval commands of China, expanding the operational coverage of the class.
Evolution of one of China’s most ambitious naval programs
The development of the Type 055 represents one of the most significant projects within the naval modernization process undertaken by China over the last two decades. The first ship of this class, Nanchang (101), was launched in 2017 at the Jiangnan shipyards in Shanghai and officially incorporated into the fleet in 2020. Since then, the construction of these units has advanced steadily, reflecting the growth of the Chinese military shipbuilding industry.
With an estimated displacement close to 12,000 tons at full load, the Type 055 is considered by many analysts to be a guided-missile cruiser, although it is officially classified by China as a destroyer. Its size places it among the largest and most advanced surface combatants currently in service in the world.
Capabilities and systems of the Type 055
One of the most notable aspects of the Type 055 design is its combat system, centered on a vertical launch system (VLS) of 112 cells, capable of employing a wide range of anti-air, anti-ship, anti-submarine, and land-attack missiles. This architecture allows it to perform multiple roles within a modern naval force.
In terms of sensors, the vessel is equipped with long-range active phased-array radars, allowing it to detect and track multiple air and surface targets simultaneously, as well as coordinate the air defense of entire naval groups. These capabilities make it a key platform for the protection of naval formations, particularly around the aircraft carrier groups of the Chinese Navy.
Among the armaments integrated into the Type 055 destroyers are long-range anti-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and land-attack systems. In December 2025, for example, one of these ships was observed conducting tests with the hypersonic anti-ship missile YJ-21, which would demonstrate the class’s ability to employ next-generation weaponry intended for long-range strikes against naval targets.
Expansion of the fleet and operations in distant waters
Finally, it should be noted that the increase in the number of Type 055 destroyers is also closely linked to the expansion of Chinese naval operations in distant waters. These units are designed to act as the main escort ships for aircraft carriers, providing air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and long-range strike capabilities.
In this regard, the Type 055 can operate alongside the Chinese aircraft carriers Liaoning (CV-16), Shandong (CV-17), and the newest, Fujian (CV-18), as well as integrate into amphibious strike groups together with the Type 075 assault ships and the future Type 076 units. In addition, their size and endurance allow them to lead independent naval groupings composed of Type 052D destroyers and Type 054A frigates.
*Cover image used for illustrative purposes
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