Following the commissioning of the first batch of 8 Type 055 destroyers last year, it is believed that China has quickly begun the construction of the second batch, known as Type 055B 10,000-ton destroyer. However, the exact number of ships to be built has not been officially announced to date.
Nevertheless, information sources have disclosed that 2 ships are currently under construction at the Jiangnan Shipyard and are expected to be launched later this year.
This new batch of 10,000-ton destroyers will have a slightly increased displacement of around 15,000 tons, still featuring 128 Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells, and will be equipped with the most advanced medium-voltage DC electric propulsion system, as well as various experimental high-energy-consumption shipborne weapons such as 155mm electromagnetic railguns and laser weapons, making it the most futuristic cutting-edge warship in the world.
The design concept of Type 055B is somewhat similar to the U.S. Zumwalt-class destroyer, with the only difference being that the latter was initially designed with the ship hull completed and then contemplated the integration of experimental weapons, while the 055B ship is envisioned from the outset as a prototype for experimental weapons, with its performance surpassing that of the DDG-1000.
Currently, the construction of the first Type 055B is underway in a dry dock at the Jiangnan Shipyard, shrouded in secrecy under working sheds, but its hull assembly can still be seen, indicating that it will soon be launched. It is estimated that it will take about 2 to 3 more years for it to enter service.
If predictions are correct, the initial batch of Type 055B is expected to be no less than 8 in number. Although still labeled as missile destroyers, they are actually much more powerful than U.S. cruisers.
It is worth noting that Type 055B is an upgraded version based on the Type 055 destroyer, with significant advancements in weapon systems.
According to reports, the number of VLS cells on board has been increased to 128, with a size of 850mm. In addition to carrying all missile weapons of the Type 055 ship, it is capable of carrying the Red Flag-26 and Red Flag-29 anti-ballistic missiles, enabling Type 055B to intercept medium-to-long-range ballistic missiles and intercontinental missiles.
Furthermore, the most eye-catching weapon on Type 055B is the laser weapon and electromagnetic gun, which will not only significantly enhance the ship’s attack and defense capabilities but also undoubtedly lead the future development of global surface warships.
In addition, the ship is equipped with the YJ-21 supersonic anti-ship ballistic missile, a globally renowned anti-carrier missile, enabling it to challenge entire carrier strike groups single-handedly.
Undoubtedly, Type 055B possesses leading comprehensive combat capabilities in anti-ship, air defense, anti-submarine, land attack, and anti-ballistic missile operations, marking a significant milestone for the Chinese Navy’s global oceanic presence. Besides serving as the flagship of China’s naval carrier battle groups, it will certainly become the flagship of China’s global expeditionary fleet. (Chen Guangwen)