The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has officially commissioned a new Type 052D guided-missile destroyer, featuring upgraded radar, weapons, and network systems that significantly enhance its air defense, sea strike, and task force command capabilities, according to Chinese state media. The newly commissioned vessel, named Loudi with hull number 176, was reported by China Central Television’s (CCTV) military channel.
China’s first Type 052D destroyer, Kunming, entered service on March 21, 2014. Since then, multiple ships of this class have been commissioned, each incorporating various modifications and improvements over time.
The latest Type 052D variant, including the Loudi, is equipped with a new radar on its main mast. Chinese military expert Fu Qianshao told the Global Times that this radar is likely a dual-face rotating active electronically scanned array (AESA) system, offering significant advancements compared to the earlier mast-mounted radar on previous Type 052D destroyers.
Zhang Shengwei, a crew member aboard the Loudi, told CCTV that the warship features a new system architecture, boosting its combat capabilities in air defense, sea attacks, and task force coordination.“The Loudi is capable of executing long-range strikes against targets while also protecting friendly vessels during defensive missions,” Zhang said.
