construction-of-china-s-type-055-destroyers-forges-ahead

The progress made on Hull 1 at Changxingdao suggests that the ship may be launched later this year.

The operational role of the Type 055 is likely to be as principal escort in a carrier or amphibious task group, providing area air defence with medium-/long-range surface-to-air missiles fired from the VLS cells, such as the 150-km-range HHQ-9.

It is likely that the VLS cells in the Type 055 will be the same universal launch cells fitted on the Type 052D, which are also capable of firing torpedo-carrying anti-submarine missiles as well as anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles.

The start of construction on two Type 055 destroyers at the Dalian shipyard in addition to the two at Changxingdao not only reflects a programme to rapidly introduce the Type 055 but also suggests that the class will number more than a handful.

It also reinforces Dalian's role in warship production. The yard has been at the centre of the PLAN's carrier programme, refurbishing the former Varyag to become CV 001 Liaoning and currently constructing CV 001A, the launch of which is imminent.

It also commenced construction of Type 052D destroyers in 2014 and has three currently in the build schedule, the first of which is thought to be conducting sea trials.

With Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard building amphibious ships, frigates and corvettes and Huangpu shipyard building frigates and corvettes, China has four shipyards constructing surface combatants concurrently.