And are AB class and type 052D at a similar level?
I am asking seriously. I am new to this stuff. Please cite some reliable sources.
To be fair, this is leading off topic... so just that reply on that, after it I wont go on on DD's here.
To compare an AB with a Type 052D, is like comparing apples with pears.
main gun, allomost the same
VLS: 1/3 more capacity at AB, MK41 is hot launched v 52D VLS is cold launched (need for cold launch booster)
Main reason, why an AB and a 052D can't be compared, is the Aegis-System. AB is able to handle automaticly +100's of surface, subsurface and areal targets and designate threats with a special counter measure by directing connected units on that targets. That's something called integrated automated warfare. Something, China is still lacking for some years ahead. Something you can't apply to your ship by making an update with an USB stick.
AB's are, to say it simple: swimming computers, with all sensors and weapons integrated into the ships architecture. 052D's have computers, that assist naval officers in doing the job, that an arleigh burke can do autonomusly. AB's are doing their job by integration into the network of a fleet, where computers can decide what is the most effective answere to the thread. That's why Aegis is the first system that allows an effective ballistic missile defence.
Maybe 055 will have some features, that allow to say, that they are Aegis-Type DDG/CG, but the 052D are not.
So thank you for your question, that gets me back to my argument before. If fanboys like it or not, there the higher acquisition costs and the operational cost come from. The systems are expensive to build, whatsoever low your wages are. The maintenance needs high educated personell (electic engineers, informatic engineers), sophisticated tools, and expensive spare parts. So no product for mass production, and no product that can easily be outnumbered. But let me get back to your question.
At least one minor difference, but one that pays when things get hot: more than 70 years of naval operation experience (expensive and tragic lessons learned) are incorporated into ships design and surviveability, leading to massive differences in damage control and fire fighting systems of both classes. I had the chance to get aboard of an 054A (quite nice design, a good ship). But looking at the damage control /fire fighting system gives me a clear idea of where PLAN is rite now and what they still have to learn with next generation of navel vessels. 052D was constructed in the same time like 054A, so same operational standards are the baseline for design requirements.
To be fair, PLAN has an incredible speed by developing it's actual fleet (i really like it). And for sure it will have a fleet, that is head to head with the USN within the 21st century. But be aware, there is a price to pay for a fast development, there is a price to pay for having the most advanced technology.
But finaly, let'z get back to the topic.
Your Scorpene doesn't even have a torpedo to fire. Don't trolling here and ruin this thread.
It's a thread about Chinese submarine, not Chinese communist.
As a grown up, you can check it yourself in Google.
Yeah, guy it is about chinese submarine, that's the point you forgot by posting your provocative first answere to my costs argument (you forgot the toppic)... and now, again you demonstrate the absence of knowledge: Scorpene is not our submarine. If you try that as "a grown up"
google it for yourself honey, you can easily figure out, that Germany has Type 212A submarine. One with a torpedo. But thank you for showing me your knowledge, now I know that: I needn't to take your posts serious.