Type 052D Destroyer

Full Specifications

Type 052D Luyang III Guided Missile Destroyer

The Type 052D destroyer is a modern surface combatant built to give the Chinese navy strong air defense and strike power at sea. It reflects a shift toward blue water operations and fleet air protection, roles long dominated by U.S. and allied destroyers.

Design and Role

Developed by Jiangnan and Dalian shipyards, the Type 052D, also called Luyang III, entered service in the mid 2010s. It is designed as a multi mission destroyer with a focus on area air defense, anti surface warfare, and anti submarine operations. The ship uses a stealth shaped hull and integrated mast to reduce radar signature.

Sensors and Combat Systems

The ship is equipped with the Type 346A AESA radar, a fixed panel system similar in layout to the U.S. SPY-1. It supports long range air search, tracking, and missile guidance. A modern combat management system links sensors and weapons to allow rapid engagement of multiple targets.

Armament and Performance

The Type 052D carries 64 universal vertical launch cells. These can fire HQ-9B long range surface to air missiles, YJ-18 anti ship cruise missiles, and land attack weapons. A 130 mm main gun supports surface and shore fire. Close in defense includes the Type 1130 CIWS and HQ-10 short range missiles.

Powered by a combined diesel and gas system, the destroyer reaches speeds of about 30 knots with a range suitable for long deployments. A flight deck and hangar support one naval helicopter for anti submarine missions.

Type 052D Destroyer Price

The Type 052D is not available for export. Based on open source estimates, unit cost is often placed between 750 and 900 million U.S. dollars, depending on configuration and build batch. This figure is used for comparison only.