PLA's Type 052D destroyer seen conducting sea trial
Stadd Reporter 2013-09-11 16:13
Concept art for the Type 052D guided-missile destroyer. (Internet photo)
A series of photos posted on the internet indicate that the PLA's first Type 052D guided-missile destroyer, Kunming, is conducting sea trials, reports the Hangzhou-based Qianjiang Evening News. The ship is considered similar to the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers of the United States Navy.
Asked about the sea trial of the PLA Navy's most advanced surface combat vessel on Aug. 29, Chinese defense spokesperson Yang Yujun replied simply that a ship leaving port is as normal as an airplane taking off. Since its launch at the end of August last year, Kunming has attracted attention from international military analysts.
The Type 052D destroyer, equipped with a vertical launch system similar to the Mk 41 of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, is able to detect and intercept enemy air and missile attacks and would therefore be a crucial component of future PLA carrier groups.
Like the US destroyers, the Type 052D is able to conduct anti-air, anti-ship and anti-submarine operations. It can also launch precision strikes against ground targets with its DH-10 cruise missiles.
