China's Type 055 Destroyers Conduct Extensive Naval Exercises

In February 2025, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's Type 055 large destroyer Zunyi was photographed firing its close-in weapon system during a combat exercise in the Pacific Ocean.

Recently, three Type 055 destroyers of the PLA Navy have been engaged in separate training exercises across various locations. These include the Yellow Sea, the South Pacific, and the South China Sea. Experts have lauded the Type 055 as the world's leading destroyer in terms of overall capabilities. The deployment of multiple ships of this class provides the PLA Navy with tactical advantages in protecting national interests.

The Type 055 large destroyer Nanchang, part of a destroyer detachment within the PLA Northern Theater Command, recently completed an intensive, multi-faceted combat exercise in the Yellow Sea. The PLA Navy reported that the Nanchang's drills included live-fire exercises focused on sea attacks, air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and nuclear defense.

The Zunyi, along with the Type 054A frigate Hengyang and the Type 903 replenishment vessel Weishanhu, operated approximately 570 nautical miles southeast of Perth, according to the website of Australia's defense department. The Zunyi and the other two vessels conducted combat exercises in the Pacific Ocean, including replenishment at sea and live-fire shooting.

In the South China Sea, multiple vessels, including the Chaganhu and Qinghaihu supply ships, participated in comprehensive combat support drills. Footage showed the Yan'an, another Type 055 large destroyer, receiving replenishment from one of the supply ships during the exercise.

The Type 055 large destroyer, manufactured by China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (CSSC), has a displacement of approximately 13,000 tons. It is equipped with advanced radar systems, an integrated radio frequency system, and a 112-cell missile vertical launch system. This system can accommodate a variety of missiles, including the YJ-21 "carrier killer," HQ-9B air defense missiles, and anti-missile and anti-submarine systems.

China currently has eight Type 055 large destroyers. CSSC has indicated that more Type 055s with enhanced capabilities may be under construction. The Type 055 is considered the world's best large destroyer in terms of comprehensive capabilities. The presence of multiple Type 055 destroyers enhances the PLA Navy's tactical flexibility, allowing them to serve as both aircraft carrier escorts and command ships for flotillas. These vessels are vital in safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and interests.