China commissioned three vessels into the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN or Chinese Navy) fleet: a Type 094 nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, a Type 055 Destroyer and a Type 075 landing helicopter dock. The ceremony took place on 23 April 2021 at the naval base in Sanya (Hainan island) in presence of Chinese president Xi Jinping. The historic (over 70,000 tons combined commissioned on a single day) event coincided with the 72th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).
Changzheng (Long March ) 18 is a Type 094 (NATO reporting name: Jin class) ballistic missile submarine of the class for the People’s Liberation Army Navy. The Type 094 is armed with 12 JL-2 SLBMs, each with an estimated range of 7,400 km (4,600 mi). Each missile carries one warhead.[14] The Type 094 and JL-2 is China’s first credible sea-based nuclear deterrent. One was operational in 2010, three in 2013, four in 2015, and possibly six in 2020. The Type 094 succeeds the Type 092 submarine and precedes the Type 096 submarine, which is under development.
Dalian (pennant number 105) is the third ship of the type 055 destroyer class. The Type 055 destroyer (NATO/OSD Renhai-class cruiser) is a class of stealth guided missile destroyers being constructed for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy Surface Force. It is a multi-mission design; the combination of sensors and weapons suggests a main role of area air defence, with anti-submarine warfare capabilities surpassing previous Chinese surface combatants. The United States classifies these ships as cruisers.
Hainan (pennant number 31) is the lead ship of type 075 Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) class. The Type 075 LPD (NATO reporting name Yushen-class landing helicopter assault) is a class of Chinese amphibious assault ship under construction by the Hudong–Zhonghua Shipbuilding company. The Type 075 helicopter dock is a new generation of amphibious assault vessel and far larger than similar ships previously constructed for the PLA Navy. The Type 075 would give the Chinese navy the ability to launch various types of helicopters to attack naval vessels, enemy ground forces or submarines.
