The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has quietly commissioned the 052D-class guided-missile destroyer Ganzhi (hull number 128) into its fleet.
The vessel officially entered service in December 2025, but visual confirmation that it is already fully operational has only now become public, following its participation in naval exercises in the Yellow Sea.
As the 33rd 052D-class destroyer, Ganzhi reinforces the PLAN’s Northern Fleet at a time of marked acceleration in China’s naval program. 2025 marked an all-time record for the class: seven units were commissioned in just twelve months — more than double the previous average annual pace, estimated at around three ships per year.
Considered one of the pillars of China’s surface fleet, the 052D class is equipped with advanced radar systems, vertical launchers for cruise missiles, and advanced air defense and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The current pace of construction suggests that the program continues at a high pace, with the total number of 052D-class destroyers expected to exceed 40 units in the coming years.
The Ganzhi’s quiet induction into service, followed by its appearance in high-profile drills, reflects Beijing’s increasingly frequent practice of limiting public announcements and letting the operational activity itself confirm the expansion of its naval capabilities.
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Source and images: Chinamil. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
