China’s Ministry of National Defense reported that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy’s Type 055 guided-missile destroyers have developed large-scale, system-level combat capabilities. The Type 055, often referred to as a “10,000-ton-class destroyer,” is considered a milestone in the modernization of China’s naval forces, with a full-load displacement exceeding 12,000 tons.
According to the report, the warship is equipped with an advanced universal vertical launch system (VLS) capable of deploying multiple types of missiles, providing robust capabilities in air defense, anti-ship, anti-submarine, and land-attack operations. The platform is designed to serve as a core component of carrier strike groups and to support integrated naval operations, reflecting China’s growing emphasis on modern, network-centric warfare.
The article highlights that Type 055 destroyers have entered scaled deployment and operational integration, signaling a transition toward more mature and coordinated naval combat power. Notably, two new “10,000-ton-class” destroyers, hull numbers 109 and 110, have recently begun combat-oriented training, further underscoring the PLA Navy’s expanding operational capabilities.
Source: China’s Ministry of Defense Website, March 21, 2026
http://www.mod.gov.cn/gfbw/qwfb/16450238.html