Recently, a suspected new type of missile destroyer superstructure test section has sparked widespread attention online. This section shows significant differences from the current 055-class destroyers. Military experts have analyzed that this may be a simulated section of a new generation of destroyers being developed by the Chinese Navy, with an expected displacement exceeding 20,000 tons, making it the largest destroyer in the world. This development not only reflects the forward-looking planning of the Chinese Navy for future maritime warfare patterns but also highlights the urgency of developing large-scale vessels driven by the needs of anti-missile defense, hypersonic weapons, and the integration of space-based systems.
Currently, the 055-class destroyers of the Chinese Navy are already among the best in the world. However, as the combat system upgrades, the existing platforms are gradually reaching their limits. High-energy weapon systems such as electromagnetic guns and laser weapons are moving toward practical deployment, which imposes extremely high requirements on the power supply and space of the ships. At the same time, hypersonic missiles and larger-scale munitions, such as the "Hongqi-29" system rumored to be designed for sea-based anti-missile defense, can no longer be accommodated by the current vertical launch systems. Therefore, developing a 20,000-ton ship is an inevitable choice for equipment iteration and combat effectiveness generation.
More strategically, changes in operational paradigms are providing theoretical support for these giant ships. With the support of a space-based satellite network, the situational awareness and weapon effectiveness of modern ships have undergone revolutionary improvements. A 20,000-ton giant ship equipped with powerful sensors, a large number of vertical launch units (especially large cold-hot co-mounted launch wells) and high-energy weapons may have comprehensive combat power comparable to the core strength of a medium-sized aircraft carrier strike group, particularly in anti-missile defense, maritime control, and land attack capabilities.
This concept of a "strategic-level armory ship" allows a single ship to independently or as a core node execute critical missions far at sea. This provides China with a highly cost-effective remote power projection solution under the objective condition of lacking overseas bases.
From the perspective of the strategic needs of the Chinese Navy, the significance of large-scale ships is particularly prominent. The reality of lacking overseas bases requires the fleet to rely on its own platforms to achieve long-term presence and high-intensity firepower projection at sea. A 20,000-ton giant ship can carry more and larger hypersonic missiles and anti-missile interceptors. Its massive hull also leaves ample room for future upgrades to directed energy weapons and integrated power systems, thus becoming a strategic fortress on the future maritime battlefield that combines both "offense" and "defense" functions.
However, the jump in ship tonnage also brings significant challenges. A 20,000-ton giant ship places exponential demands on propulsion, power, and logistics support. The storage, testing, and maintenance processes for precision weapons such as hypersonic missiles are extremely complex, greatly increasing the pressure on the fleet's logistics system.
Therefore, considering its strategic positioning and the high construction and operation costs, the demand for such giant ships may not be very large. Analysts believe that if ultimately built, the number of ships may be around 8, sufficient to form the core escort forces of two aircraft carrier fleets or rotate to perform critical area readiness duties, meeting the country's core strategic needs with a lean force.
Although the U.S. "Zumwalt"-class was limited by its tactical positioning and failed to be mass-produced, if China successfully introduces a 20,000-ton destroyer, it would be a rational choice based on the need for systematized operations. It is not about pursuing quantity, but rather about maximizing quality and node combat power.
In the future, this operational model centered on giant ships and deeply integrated with space-based networks will reshape the Chinese Navy's blue-water combat system, giving it more confidence and stronger means to safeguard national interests.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7564609948451111487/
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