China Defense Blog

Saturday, November 15, 2025

Ammo Photo Of The Day: H/JP-12 30mm

Tungsten Alloy Armor-Piercing Discarding Sabot Round for the current generation of PLAN CIWS, Type1130, Type730 etc.

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Photo Of The Day: Type1130 CIWS size comparison vs a sailor

Friday, November 14, 2025

PLAN Update Of The Day: Repair of DDG164 Type 052D damaged back in the South China Sea on Aug 11th is now complete

Monday, August 11, 2025

PLAN in the news of the day: DDG164 collision with CCG-3104

The Chinese Internet is on fire this morning, calling the head of the DDG164 to be rolled.

DDG 164, a Type052DG is under the command of the 2nd Destroyer Flotilla, Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province, Southern Theater Command Navy.

The 2nd Destroyer Flotilla has a total of 9 DDGs, they are:

161 Type052D
162 Type052DG
163 Type052DG
164 Type052DG
165 Type052DG
166 Type052DG
167 Type051B
168 Type052B
169 Type052B

The flotilla uses three piers at Zhanjiang-Maxie:

21 12 39 N 110 26 01 E
21 12 52 N 110 26 09 E
21 13 14 N 110 26 18 E.

Saturday, July 07, 2018

PLAN Orbat Update: 2nd Destroyer Flotilla, Southern Theater Command welcomes DDG 161 Hohhot

DDG 161 Hohhot was launched in December 26th 2016, commissioned in June 30th 2018 and now assigned to the 2nd Destroyer Flotilla, Southern Theater Command. She is the 12th Type052D DDG overall.

With the introduction of DDG 161 Hohhot, the 2nd Destroyer Flotilla - the red-headed stepchild - of the Southern Theater Command finally has a modern long-range fleet air defense DDG under its command. Southern Theater Command's 9th Destroyer Flotilla - in contrast - commands 4xType052D, 2xType052C and 4xType054A FFG.

2nd Destroyer Flotilla, July 7th, 2018
	Commissioned	Type
DDG168	2004	Type052B
DDG169	2004	Type052B
DDG167	1999	Type051B
DDG165	1989	Type051
DDG166	1991	Type051
DDG 161	2018	Type052D

FFG500	2018	Type054A
FFG536	2017	Type054A
FFG569	2010	Type054A
FFG571	2010	Type054A
FFG568	2008	Type054A
FFG570	2008	Type054A

Good ole Type 051 Luhu class still soldiering on with the 2nd Destroyer Flotilla

Type051B DDG167 Shenzhen after her 2015 refit

DDG168 Guangzhou, Type052B

Thursday, November 13, 2025

Photo Of The Day: China’s second electromagnetic catapult–equipped naval vessel prepares for sea trials

Type076 drone carrier / amphibious assault ship

Thursday, November 06, 2025

Photos Of The Day: Type 076 landing helicopter dock's CATOBAR system is now visible

One notable detail from the Type 076 landing helicopter dock's launch ceremony on December 27, 2024, was that its CATOBAR system—comprising an electromagnetic catapult and arresting gear was covered from view. Now you can have a full view from the two photos below:

Thursday, September 25, 2025

Checking in with China's other electromagnetic catapult (EM catapult) equipped ship (Sept 25th)

The Type 076 landing helicopter dock Sichuan has remained relatively quiet since her launch on December 27, 2024 especially when compared to her older, larger, and far more louder sister, the Type 003 Fujian, which recently made headlines by launching a bunch of birds from her electromagnetic catapult and arresting systems.

According to chatter on Chinese social media, Sichuan is now preparing to set sail, promising fresh material for PLA watchers and armchair generals alike to dissect every move and detail. Youtube will be busy for sure.

Monday, November 10, 2025

Some known J-35 Naval Gyrfalcon Naval Multirole Fighter Serial Numbers

There are 6 so far as of Nov 10th, 2025: They are 35005, 35006, H1105080, H1105081, H1105082 and H1105093. Again, this is counting the naval variant only.

Sunday, November 09, 2025

So, China now has a new class of landing craft mechanized (LCM)

The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has quietly expanded its amphibious fleet with the introduction of a new class of twin waterjet-powered Landing Craft Mechanized (LCM). Designed to operate alongside the service’s larger amphibious platforms, the Type 071 Landing Platform Dock (LPD) and the Type 075/76 Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD). The new craft mark a pragmatic shift in China’s approach to ship-to-shore logistics and amphibious operations.

At 33 meters in length, the LCM matches the dimensions of the Type 726 Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC), ensuring compatibility with the well decks of both LPDs and LHDs. This deliberate standardization allows commanders flexibility in deploying either hovercraft or mechanized landing craft depending on mission requirements.

The advantages of the new LCM are evident:

Cost efficiency: Construction is simpler and cheaper than turbine-powered LCACs.
Ease of maintenance: Waterjet propulsion reduces upkeep compared to gas turbines.
Cargo capacity: The LCM offers more usable space for vehicles and supplies. (see photo below)
Operational practicality: Quieter and easier to handle than the notoriously loud LCAC.

Still, the LCAC retains a critical edge in speed, capable of reaching up to 80 knots, far surpassing the mechanized craft. This makes the hovercraft indispensable for rapid amphibious assaults, while the LCM provides a more economical and versatile option for sustained logistics operations.

Together, the two platforms underscore the PLAN’s evolving amphibious doctrine: balancing high-speed assault capability with reliable, cost-effective sealift to support China’s growing expeditionary capabilities.