China has launched a Type 052DL-class destroyer with the world's largest vertical launch system for YJ-21 hypersonic anti-ship missiles

Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company has launched another Type 052DL class destroyer. The event took place on 30 August 2023.

Here's What We Know

The new destroyer is the penultimate of 10 Type 052DL-class ships for the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy. It has a total displacement of 7,500 tonnes and is equipped with a 64-cell vertical launch system. It is the largest in the world and typical of Chinese warships.

The vertical launch system can launch different types of missiles. These include the YJ-21 ballistic anti-ship missile with hypersonic manoeuvring warhead. As usual, information about the Chinese weapon is classified. The missile is believed to have a range of 1,500 kilometres and a speed of Mach 9 (3.1 km/s).

The 64-cell vertical launch system is also designed for YJ-18 anti-ship cruise missiles, HHQ-9 long-range anti-aircraft missiles and CJ-10 cruise missiles. Future modifications to the Type 052DL class destroyers are expected to arm the ships with HQ-26 long-range surface-to-air missile systems.

The arsenal of destroyers of this class includes a 130 mm cannon, Type 1130 close-in weapon system, torpedo launchers and HQ-10 short-range anti-aircraft missile system. It can carry Z-9C or Ka-28 helicopters.

Source: Navy Recognition