The People’s Liberation Army Navy of China (PLAN) has discreetly incorporated the guided missile destroyer Ganzhi (hull number 128), belonging to the Type 052D class, into its fleet.
The ship officially entered service in December 2025, but visual confirmation of its full operational status has only now become public, following its participation in naval exercises in the Yellow Sea.
Entering service as the 33rd Type 052D destroyer, Ganzhi strengthens the PLA’s Northern Fleet at a time of clear acceleration of China’s naval program. The year 2025 marked a historic record for the class: seven units were introduced into service in just twelve months, more than double the previous average annual pace, estimated at approximately three ships per year.
The Type 052D class is considered one of the pillars of China’s surface fleet, equipped with modern radar systems, vertical missile launchers and advanced air defense and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The current pace of construction indicates that the program is progressing at high speed, with the total number of Type 052D destroyers expected to exceed 40 units in the coming years.
The Ganzhi’s quiet entry into service, followed by its appearance in real exercises, reflects an increasingly common practice by Beijing: reducing public announcements and letting 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 staff.
