According to information published by Global Times on June 14, 2021, Type 052D guided-missile destroyer Nanning made exercise in the South China Sea after entered service with the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy.
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Type 901 comprehensive supply ship Chaganhu (Hull 967) and Type 052D guided-missile destroyer Nanning (Picture source: China Military)
In addition to the Type 052D guided-missile destroyer Nanning (Hull 162), the Type 901 comprehensive supply ship Chaganhu (Hull 967) and Type 071 amphibious dock landing ship Qilianshan (Hull 985), was also a part of the exercise.
The Type 052D destroyer (Luyang III-class destroyer) is a class of guided-missile destroyers in the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy Surface Force.
The Type 052D incorporates improved design, as well as sensors and weapons fit. Its layout slightly differs from that of the earlier Type 052C class, as its superstructure inclines inward at a greater angle for reduced radar cross-section.
The Type 052D destroyer is mounted with a multi-purpose vertical launch system for firing CJ-10 land-attack cruise missiles, HHQ-9 series long-range surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), HQ-16 and DK-10A medium-range SAMs, YJ-18/YJ-83 anti-ship missiles, as well as CY-5 series anti-submarine missiles.
These air-defense destroyers are fitted with the four-panel Type 346A multifunction phased-array radar system, which is combined with a 64-cell missile vertical launching system (VLS) to offer long-range area air-defense, modern anti-ship, and—potentially—land-attack cruise-missile capabilities.
The VLS launchers are fitted in two 32-cell sets, one forward of the helicopter hangar and a second aft of the 5.1-inch gun. Carried inside is a reported mix of HHQ-9 surface-to-air (SAM), YJ-18 anti-ship cruise (ASCM), and CY-5 antisubmarine missiles.
