Yes. They did get an MLU way back around 2010/11, replacing sensors, in addition to earlier work modernising their AShM. Rarely seen nowadays but still active. My guess is they will go out of service in the next five years.
The original Type 052 have really lackluster air defense capabilities. And there are better radars today.
Yes they might be out of service in some years time. I believe their pennant numbers will be taken over by the next right Type 055, which should be from 109 to 116. This means pennants 112 and 113 will be taken over, and I may even assume both their names will be passed down to the 055s. I also think the two 051C, 115 and 116 will be retired and their pennants and names passed on to 055s.
The 052 refit no longer has adequate radars, but they still have some adequate self defense capability, ASW and surprisingly up to date EW, which is on the same level as the 052D. It also has the modernized VHF radar. Because of that it is used as a radar and ASW picket ship, with deployments in the South China Seas. Let's not forget this thing can still pack 16 antiship missiles.
On the new 168 pic, I cannot see very well where and what it's target illuminators are. It definitely has the EW pieces from the 052D which is to be expected. Also expected are the YJ-12 launchers.
