PLAN Type 052 Destroyer Historical Analysis

Thanks Jeff, excellent summary.
I am still puzzled by PLAN building the last 4 052C+, the timeframe is very much the same as 052D (just slightly earlier). It woul dbe much better just straight to 052D ... some people said the pupose is for plan "B" if 052D faced troubles ... is it really the main reasons?

Great stuff Jeff!

antiterror13 said:

Thanks Jeff, excellent summary.
I am still puzzled by PLAN building the last 4 052C+, the timeframe is very much the same as 052D (just slightly earlier). It woul dbe much better just straight to 052D ... some people said the pupose is for plan "B" if 052D faced troubles ... is it really the main reasons?

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I think the plaN wanted six Type 052Cs. It gives them strong logistical support for all of them, allows a strong group of personnel to remain trained, and allows them to have those vessels for escort and other duties where they might no want to ommitt a "D".

My guess is that they had the parts and pieces, and despite the fact that the d was coning together, they wanted to use them and provide themselves with a strong contingent of the "C"s in case they did run into difficulties with the D too.

Here are my 1/350 scale models of each of the Type 52 destroyers...all four classes:

...and another view of each:

Jeff Head said:

Here are my 1/350 scale models of each of the Type 52 destroyers...all four classes:

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With AllSpark you could easily become a powerful warlord and create your own country in North America

visitant said:

With AllSpark you could easily become a powerful warlord and create your own country in North America

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Hehehe...look at this site and see all of the 1/350 scale vessels I have built...and 1/72 aircraft.


I have a Carrier Strike Group (the entire group including its escorts) for each of the following:

- US Navy (centered on the USS Enterprise, CVN-65)
- Royal Navy (centered on the HMS Illustriou, R06s)
- PLAN (centered on the Liaonining, CV-16)
- Russia (centered on the Kuznetsov, CV-063)
- France (centered on the Charles de Gaulle, R91)
- Japan (centered on the Hyuga, DDH-181)
- Brazil (centered on the Sao Paulo, A12 ...but only the carrier, I do not have any of is escorts)

I also have an ARG for each of the following, including their eescrots)

- US Navy (centered on the Iwo Jima, LHD-7)
- PLAN (centered on the Kunlun, 998)

Jeff Head said:

...
Now integrating aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships (right now with their Type 071 LPDs which are very similar in form and function to the US Navy San Antonio Class), it is clear that the Chinese Navy and the Chinese leadership are intent on having a first class, world-class Navy develop in the western Pacific that can contest the US Navy and its allies if necessary within the Chinese sphere of influence...which is growing out beyond the second island chain.

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Definitely great analysis overall Jeff, thanks for sharing.

I think the Chinese sphere of influence is growing out beyond the first island chain rather than the second island chain though.

PanAsian said:

Definitely great analysis overall Jeff, thanks for sharing.

I think the Chinese sphere of influence is growing out beyond the first island chain rather than the second island chain though.

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Well, when you see the PLAN regularly taking part in anti-piracy missions in the Oman Gulf.

When you see them now making port calls in the Med and in Europe.

When you see them taking part in RIMPAC and other such exercises and making port calls in South America, central America, and even in the US.

When you see the PRC establishing more and more resource interest in Africa and South and central America.

I simply have to say that their influence and presence is indeed being felt out beyond the 2nd island chain now.

I am not talking about them being able to conduct sustained military operations out there against peer foes...I am talking about their naval units establishing influence and presence.

...and they are certainly doing that.

Hi Jeff, lurking on and off, and newbie poster here...

Nice builds and analysis, and certainly simplify the explanation with all four ship models in one picture.

I still have confusion as to why during the 2003-2006 period, PLAN has almost four twosome different classes/type-variation DDGs being completed.

I understand about the Sovremenny story; but -- 52B(2004), 52C(2004), 51C(2006).

Anyone care to explain? Thanks.