Re: 115 Has been Comissioned
Thanks TP,
Yes indeed, the clearest picture of DDG 115 yet.
I think Kanwa's "Forever Transition" statement misses the point. These new destroyers like the other new vessels China has built, are in essence, test ships. This must be because China is not satisfied that she has fully developed and mature weapon, sensor and C4I systems. Until then it makes sense develop and mature the systems, not field immature systems.
DDG 115 and her sister are clearly modified Luhai-type hulls fitted with more a modern surface gun, SAM, radars and CIWS. In fact the whole project seems rather conservative to me. They took a proven hull and propulsion system, that of the Luhai, for which they doubtless by now have sufficient numbers of adequately trained crew members, and used it as a platform to test new sensors and weapons system. It is simply the safe thing to do. Less risky than trying many new things at once.
It also means Dalian is much more conservative as a design yard than Jiangan, Hudong or Whampoa. It also seems to be less well-equipped or advanced. It must be pointed out still that China plans by 2015 to become the largest shipmaker in the world and is engaged in the construction of the worlds' largest and most advanced shipyards and shipbuilding industry. This developement will clearly benefit the PLAN.
The fruits of all that investment will be seen in the decade to come. This is probably why the orders are small. The present leadership is patient and will bide its time. However, once the PLAN high command is satisfied that they have mature and competitive systems, we should start to see the ship numbers rise dramatically (which due also to the developement of the economy, should become more affordable). If their schedule is not to our liking, that is not really their fault.
Best Regards,
Dusky Lim