052D-type destroyer

    The 052D is an upgraded version of the 052C, and is designated the Luyang III Class by NATO. The 052D has more advanced active phased array radars and missile launch system. So far, the PLA Navy has commissioned the Kunming (172), the first destroyer of the type, and more ships are undergoing sea trials. The 052D represents China’s most advanced warship technologies, and will become the main force of the PLA Navy in the future.

    The basic layout is similar to the 052C, although the onboard equipment and weaponry have both undergone massive upgrades. The active phased array radar panels are bigger and flatter than those of the 052C. It carries as invisible 130-mm gun instead of a 100-mm gun. The new gun can be automatically loaded through two channels. It can also fire grenades, anti-air high explosive shells as well as artillery shells. The square design of the 052D vertical missile launch system is also different from its predecessors. The new system leaves more room for missile launch tubes by cutting exhaust flues, and can fire different missiles for anti-air, anti-ship, and anti-land attacks.

052D-type destroyer Changsha (173)

A comparison of the radar panel of the 052D (left) and 052C (right)