The People's Liberation Army Navy of China (PLAN) commissioned its fifth Luyang III-class (Type 052D) destroyer, dubbed the Chinese Aegies, on Sunday, according to the Chinese Ministry of Defense.

The naming and commissioning ceremony of the Xining (with pennant number 117) was held at the Guzhenkou naval base south of Qingdao and was conducted by Rear Admiral Zhang Wendan, the newly appointed commander of the North Sea Fleet, according to IHS Jane.

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"With the hull number 117, Xining is a homegrown guided-missile destroyer integrated with many new types of weaponry. The destroyer has high informatization level, advanced stealth capability, and electromagnetic compatibility," the ministry said in a statement.

"The destroyer is mainly responsible for formation command, regional air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and other missions."

The Type 052D, which was manufactured by the Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company and Jiangnan Shipyard, is a multirole warship and can be deployed against enemy aircraft carrier strike groups and submarines, the Diplomat reported.

The Type 052D is equipped with two vertical-launch system grids (VLS), which support the HHQ-9A long-range surface-to-air missile, giving the ship an area air-defense capability. The VLS is also believed to be able of carrying out land-attack and anti-ship cruise missiles.

According to IHS Jane, the 7,500-ton ship is the first Type 052D to be allocated to the PLAN's North Sea Fleet, while the four other vessels were assigned to the South Sea Fleet. Its twin hangars are also able to embark either Harbin Z-9 or Kamov Ka-28 anti-submarine helicopters or Kamov Ka-31 airbone early warning helicopters.

TagsPeople's Liberation Army Navy, china, Luyang III, Type 052D, Xining, Chinese Aegies, vertical launch system grids