China’s navy has officially unveiled two new Type 055 destroyers, marking a significant expansion of the country’s most powerful surface warship class.
The new vessels — Hull 109 Dongguan and Hull 110 Anqing — appeared for the first time in an official broadcast by China Central Television (CCTV), confirming that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy now operates 10 Type 055 destroyers, up from eight previously.
Military analysts say the addition of these advanced warships will strengthen China’s ability to conduct long-range naval operations and protect carrier strike groups.
Two new Type 055 large destroyers of the PLA Navy, the Hull 109 Dongguan and the Hull 110 Anqing, made their official debut in an official media report on Sunday, taking the total number of the 10,000 ton-class warships to 10, up from eight. Chinese military affairs experts said… pic.twitter.com/9Of8nrzOXe
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) March 8, 2026
First Official Appearance of Dongguan and Anqing
The two destroyers were shown participating in joint training exercises at sea alongside other PLA Navy vessels.
Their appearance in the CCTV news program Xinwen Lianbo marked the first official confirmation that the ships have entered operational service.
Prior to this announcement, China had eight Type 055 destroyers:
- Hull 101 Nanchang
- Hull 102 Lhasa
- Hull 103 Anshan
- Hull 104 Wuxi
- Hull 105 Dalian
- Hull 106 Yan’an
- Hull 107 Zunyi
- Hull 108 Xianyang
With the addition of Dongguan and Anqing, the fleet of China’s 10,000-ton-class destroyers has grown to ten vessels.
Deployment Across China’s Naval Commands
According to available information, the first eight Type 055 destroyers were assigned to the Northern Theater Command Navy and the Southern Theater Command Navy.
The two newly commissioned warships have reportedly been deployed with the Eastern Theater Command Navy, which oversees operations in areas including the Taiwan Strait and the East China Sea.
With this distribution, all three major PLA Navy theater commands now operate Type 055 destroyers, significantly expanding China’s naval operational reach.
Possible Upgrades in the New Batch
Chinese military analyst Wang Yunfei suggested that the second batch of Type 055 destroyers may include technical improvements over the first eight ships.
Although detailed specifications have not been publicly released, experts believe the new vessels could feature upgrades in radar systems, electronics, or missile capabilities.
The additional destroyers will also help support the growing number of Chinese aircraft carrier strike groups, which require powerful escort ships during long-range deployments.
Key Capabilities of the Type 055 Destroyer
Military expert Zhang Junshe highlighted two major strengths of the Type 055 warship class.
Advanced Detection and Command Systems
The destroyer’s radar systems provide long-range detection and surveillance capabilities.
According to analysts, the system can track hundreds of aerial targets simultaneously, enabling the ship to coordinate air-defense operations for an entire fleet.
Powerful Missile Arsenal
The Type 055 is equipped with a wide range of weapons, including:
- Long-range air-defense missiles
- Missile defense systems
- Anti-ship missiles
- Land-attack cruise missiles
This combination allows the destroyer to conduct air defense, missile defense, and long-range strike missions against sea and land targets.
Multiple Roles in Naval Operations
Experts say the Type 055 destroyer can perform several operational roles in China’s expanding navy.
Carrier Strike Group Escort
The ship can serve as a primary escort for aircraft carriers, providing layered air-defense protection for carrier formations.
Amphibious Assault Support
The destroyer can also operate alongside large amphibious ships such as Type 075 and Type 076 assault vessels, providing air defense and sea-control coverage during amphibious operations.
Independent Strike Groups
The Type 055 can lead its own task group, operating with other Chinese warships such as:
- Type 052C and Type 052D destroyers
- Type 054A and Type 054B frigates
These formations can conduct long-range offensive and defensive missions in distant seas.
Expanding China’s Blue-Water Navy
With the addition of the new destroyers, analysts say China is continuing to strengthen its blue-water naval capabilities, allowing it to maintain a presence far beyond its coastline.
More Type 055 warships would improve China’s ability to:
- Protect maritime trade routes
- Escort carrier strike groups
- Conduct long-distance naval missions
- Safeguard overseas interests
Chinese military experts believe the current number of Type 055 destroyers is still insufficient for future operational needs.
As China expands its aircraft carrier fleet and overseas deployments, analysts expect additional ships in the class to be built in the coming years.
A Growing Role in Regional Security
Supporters of the program argue that expanding the Type 055 fleet will strengthen China’s national defense and contribute to regional stability.
At the same time, the continued modernization of the PLA Navy reflects China’s ambition to operate as a major maritime power with the ability to conduct sustained operations in distant waters.
The unveiling of Dongguan and Anqing marks another step in that transformation, reinforcing the growing scale and capability of China’s modern naval fleet.
