The Chinese Navy's Type 055 destroyers are once again in the spotlight, and ten ships of this type have been successfully launched in recent days. The most recent one quietly entered the water in the spring of 2024, which is a relatively low-key comparison to the hype surrounding the ship's earlier launches. Military fans have launched a heated discussion about this phenomenon, saying that the launch of the Type 055 no longer seems to be big news, and it is completely different from the sensational effect caused by the first eight launches.
With the successive launch of the 10th and 9th ships, the construction of the second batch of Type 055 destroyers is nearing completion. The first eight ships have been successfully commissioned and assigned to major naval fleets. It is rumored that the East China Sea Fleet is about to usher in a new batch of Type 055 destroyers, which will undoubtedly greatly enhance its combat and deterrence capabilities.
Although the pace of construction may gradually slow down, it is widely predicted that at least six more Type 055 destroyers will be added to the second batch, and all of them are expected to be put into service in the next few years. This series of construction achievements has enabled China to surpass the United States in the number of 10,000-ton destroyers in the world.
At the same time, the US Navy faces challenges with 10,000-ton destroyers. With the exception of the expensive and technologically advanced Zumwalt-class destroyers, their other capital ships are already behind in some technical terms.
It is worth mentioning that the Type 055 destroyer has not only increased in tonnage, but also shown all-round progress in technology. Its stealth design, highly integrated electronic systems, and powerful weapon configuration all make it stand out among global destroyers. In particular, the YJ-21 anti-ship missile on board gives the Type 055 destroyer ultra-long-range strike capability, further enhancing its deterrence on the battlefield.