China's Type 055 destroyer: air cover for future carrier group

[Zarvan]

Photo of a model destroyer, presumed to be the Type 055. (Internet photo)

Like the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers of the United States Navy, China's Type 055 guided-missile destroyers were developed to defend the PLA Navy's carrier battle group from enemy air and missile strikes, reports the Beijing-based Sina Military Network.

Photos of a model warship purported to be the Type 055 reveal sophisticated electronics and an integrated stealth mast fitted with advanced electronic support measures. With such equipment, the Type 055 destroyer can serve as an anti-air warfare command-and-control platform, similar to the role played by US Navy Ticonderoga-class cruisers.

The Aegis combat system, designed for Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, can coordinate and direct the operation of all sensors and weapons against a potential enemy strike. However, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer is not big enough to be fitted with all the facilities necessary for an anti-air warfare command-and-control platform. Eventually, the US Navy chose the 9,600-tonne Ticonderoga-class cruisers to do the job, said the report.

As for China, the approximately 10,000-tonne Type 55 destroyer is likely being developed for similar missions, as the Type 052D destroyer is too small for the work. In addition to land-based and air-launched missiles, the Type 055 guided-missile destroyer may be capable of intercepting cruise missiles fired by enemy submarines, said the report. As China improves its technology, the vessel may even be used to shoot down submarine-launched ballistic missiles

China's Type 055 destroyer: air cover for future carrier group｜WCT

 

[Akasa]

A big portion of the 055's mandate would be to form part of China's future multi-layered missile defense network with her complement of HQ-26 missiles.