With the changes in the world pattern and the development of military technology, the competition between the naval forces of various countries is becoming increasingly fierce, and in this context, China's Type 055 missile destroyer is considered to be one of the only warships capable of suppressing the US Navy.
Despite this, some experts said: it is a pity that the number is too small, and the tense situation still needs 28 ships! What's going on here?
Based on the above, we already know: the Type 055 missile destroyer, which is considered one of the most advanced destroyers in the world at present, has the potential to suppress the US Navy due to its performance characteristics.
Point 1: The destroyer has strong capabilities in shipborne air defense systems, this model is equipped with an advanced Hongqi-30 long-range air defense missile system, which has a long interception range and high hitting accuracy, and in view of this advantage, it can effectively intercept and shoot down various air targets, so as to have an overwhelming advantage in air defense operations.
Point 2: It also excels in anti-ship operations and strikes against the sea. It is equipped with a large number of cruise missiles and anti-ship missiles, and has a strong ability to strike at sea. Moreover, the advanced fire control system and radar system are adopted, which can achieve long-range precision strikes on sea targets and effectively suppress the activities of the enemy navy.
Point 3: It also performs well in terms of comprehensive combat capabilities, and this model adopts an advanced shipborne combat information system and command and control system, which can realize the rapid integration and joint operation of various weapon systems, and improve combat efficiency and battlefield survivability. This makes the Type 055 destroyer not only have a strong combat capability on the local battlefield, but also be able to participate in comprehensive naval operations against powerful opponents such as the US Navy.
After understanding this, I have to admit that the Chinese Type 055 missile destroyer, with its excellent performance characteristics, can indeed be considered as one of the only warships capable of suppressing the US Navy to a certain extent.
However, in the face of practical problems, it is also necessary to recognize that if the maximum effect is to be played in the tense situation, it is necessary to further increase the number of people to meet the complex and ever-changing needs of maritime operations.
As some experts say - 28 more ships may be needed. So, where is the basis for this?
As of 2023, the number of Type 055 missile destroyers in China is still small. According to public data, the Chinese Navy has built eight Type 055 missile destroyers, and several more are under construction.
However, from a practical point of view: although the number of these Type 055 destroyers has increased, they still cannot meet the growing operational needs of the Chinese Navy and the suppression of the US Navy.
The main basis for this view is as follows:
The U.S. Navy, as one of the most powerful navies in the world, has a large fleet and advanced carrier-based armament. In order to counter the negative impact of the US Navy, China does need to build a fleet of Type 055 missile destroyers that is strong enough to achieve numerical superiority and increased countermeasure performance.
With the accumulation of combat experience and practice in recent years, the demand for the number of ships and combat readiness is also increasing. In particular, the maritime security environment in the South China Sea and the East China Sea is becoming increasingly complex, and it is necessary to strengthen the projection and combat capabilities of maritime forces in order to safeguard national maritime rights and interests and maritime security.
As well as China's remarkable progress in ship construction and technology research and development, it has the ability to accelerate the construction of Type 055 missile destroyers.
Therefore, increasing the number of Type 055 missile destroyers is fully feasible and in line with the strategic needs of the long-term development of the Chinese Navy.
But why do experts directly state: at least 28 ships are needed?
First of all, numerical superiority is the basis for building maritime power. In maritime operations, quantity often translates into strength, and having a sufficient number of ships can form an overwhelming advantage, increasing the flexibility and diversity of maritime operations. Especially in strategic places such as the South China Sea and the East China Sea, having a sufficient number of Type 055 missile destroyers can effectively safeguard the country's maritime rights and interests and ensure national maritime security.
Second, the increase in quantity can make up for the deficiencies and defects of the existing equipment; although the Type 055 missile destroyer has an excellent advantage in performance, in the face of a complex and changeable maritime combat environment, the performance advantage alone is often not enough to ensure the victory of the operation, therefore, by increasing the number, it can make up for the shortcomings and defects of the equipment, and improve the overall capability and combat effectiveness of maritime operations.
Thirdly, an increase in numbers can improve the Navy's all-domain combat capability, and as the Navy's combat missions continue to expand and diversify, ships with the ability to perform multiple missions at the same time are needed. Possessing a sufficient number of Type 055 missile destroyers can effectively carry out all-domain operations at sea and ensure maritime security and national interests.
As one of the largest maritime countries in the world, China has a strong naval strength, and by increasing the number of Type 055 missile destroyers, it can further consolidate and enhance its position and reputation in the international arena and safeguard the country's strategic interests and maritime rights and interests.
Although a certain number of Type 055 missile destroyers have been built, in the face of the current complex and volatile international situation and maritime security situation, it is still necessary to further increase the number to meet the growing strategic needs of the Chinese Navy and the suppression of the US Navy.
This is because only by continuously strengthening the building of naval strength can we ensure the country's maritime security and the safeguarding of maritime interests and achieve the goal of leapfrogging development and modernization of the Chinese Navy.