Similar to its predecessors, the new destroyer was constructed at the Jiangnan Changxingdao shipyards in Shanghai. This facility is capable of conducting simultaneous dry dock work on two ships, as evidenced by recent satellite images revealing not only the new Type 055 but also a Type 052D destroyer currently under construction.
The shipyard itself is undergoing expansion, as seen in the nearby Dagushan yard, located opposite Dalian Bay. According to Naval News, this expansion is driven by DSIC’s intention to increase commercial vessel production at its main facilities, while delegating future military vessel production to Dagushan.
The Type 055 destroyers boast a full displacement of 13,000 tons, with a length of 180 meters and a beam of 20 meters. Each vessel is equipped with 112 Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells capable of deploying long-range HQ-9 anti-aircraft missiles, YJ-18 anti-ship missiles, and YJ-21 anti-ship missiles. Additionally, they feature a 130mm H/PJ-38 cannon and a 30mm H/PJ-14 model. The ships also accommodate Harbin Z-9C or Z-18F helicopters, enhancing their operational versatility.
As of April 2023, the first eight ships of the Type 055 class—Nanchang, Lhasa, Anshan, Wuxi, Dalian, Yan’an, Zunyi, and Xianyang—are fully operational within the Chinese Navy, distributed evenly between the North Sea Fleet and the South Sea Fleet. The ninth vessel is currently undergoing testing before commissioning. These ships have already participated in various military exercises in strategic locations, including the Sea of Japan and the Bering Sea.
The launch of the tenth Type 055 destroyer highlights China’s commitment to expanding and modernizing its naval capabilities, reinforcing its presence in key maritime regions.
