The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has quietly adopted the Type 052D-class missile destroyer Ganzhi (hull number 128) into its fleet.
The ship officially entered service in December 2025, but visual confirmation of its full operational readiness has only now become public after it took part in naval exercises in the Yellow Sea.
As the 33rd Type 052D destroyer, Ganzhi strengthens the PLA’s Northern Fleet at a time when China’s naval program is significantly accelerating. The year 2025 marked a historic record for this class: seven units were commissioned in just twelve months – more than double the previous average annual pace of around three ships.
The Type 052D class is considered one of the mainstays of the Chinese surface fleet. It is equipped with modern radar systems, vertical launch systems for guided missiles and advanced air defense and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The current pace of construction suggests that the program continues to progress at a rapid pace. It is expected that the total number of Type 052D destroyers will exceed 40 units in the coming years.
The Ganzhi’s quiet commissioning, followed by its appearance in real exercises, reflects Beijing’s increasingly widespread practice of reducing public announcements and confirming the expansion of its own maritime capabilities through actual operational activities.
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Source and images: Chinamil. This content was created using AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
