Beijing, Jan 03, 2026 (Agencies) – The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has commissioned a new Type 052D guided missile destroyer featuring upgraded radar, weapons and network systems, significantly enhancing its regional air defense, sea attack and task force command capabilities, official media reported.
The newly inducted warship has been named Loudi and carries the hull number 176, according to a report aired by the military channel of China Central Television (CCTV) on Thursday.
Official media noted that China’s first Type 052D destroyer, Kunming, entered service on March 21, 2014. Since then, several vessels of the same class have been commissioned, with continuous design refinements and capability upgrades incorporated over time.
The latest version of the Type 052D destroyer, including Loudi, is equipped with a newly installed radar on its main mast. Chinese military analyst Fu Qianshao told the Global Times that the configuration suggests the presence of a dual-face rotating active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, marking a major improvement over the earlier mast-mounted radar systems used on previous variants.
According to CCTV, the Loudi adopts a new system architecture that significantly boosts its combat effectiveness. Crew member Zhang Shengwei said the destroyer’s advanced design enhances its ability to conduct air defense operations, carry out sea strike missions and perform command roles within naval task forces.
Zhang added that the Loudi is capable of executing long-range assault and strike missions against designated targets while also providing protective cover to friendly vessels during defensive operations, further strengthening the PLA Navy’s operational flexibility and maritime power projection.