China Launches New Guided Missile Destroyer


On June 28, China launched its new domestically produced Type 055 guided missile destroyer. The Chinese media reported that the 10,000 ton vessel features new air defense, antimissile, antiship, and antisubmarine weapons. The ship includes 100 vertical launch tubes and is approximately the size of similar Japanese, South Korean, and U.S. guided missile destroyers. It was also reportedly designed with stealth characteristics, including a small radar cross section and methods to reduce noise, electromagnetic, and infrared emissions. The vessel still needs to undergo planned testing before being commissioned for operation.