Believe it or not, the Chinese Navy is about to make a "big move"! A key data point from a core journal in China has caused a big stir among military enthusiasts. It's about developing a massive shipboard vertical launch unit with an inner diameter of 1.2 meters and a depth of nearly 9 meters. This is much larger than the 850 mm vertical launch cells used on our current most advanced 055 destroyers!

This matter is no small thing; it's not just about increasing missile capacity. It's part of a broader plan for the Chinese Navy's long-range operations: a 20,000-ton "versatile strategic ship" is coming! It can carry nuclear weapons and cruise in the open ocean, intercept intercontinental missiles, and conduct precise strikes thousands of kilometers away. Will this change the rules of naval warfare? Let me explain in detail.

You might think more vertical launch units are better, but I say bigger is better, don't doubt me. The Chinese Navy has already taught the US how to fight future naval battles, because the size of the vertical launch cells is terrifying. Their core advantage is that "anything can be loaded," and all of them are long-range weapons and strategic-level weapons:

Firstly, maritime nuclear deterrence, no longer relying solely on nuclear submarines.

Previously, our sea-based nuclear forces mainly relied on nuclear submarines. Now, this vertical launch cell size can fit small intercontinental missiles like the American "Peacemaker." It means that in the future, the Chinese Navy may have a "mobile nuclear fortress."

This warship can hide in the open ocean, making it harder to attack than a nuclear submarine. It can perform a second nuclear strike at any time, doubling the strategic deterrent power. Enemies would find it impossible to defend against because fighter jets would lack the range, and using bombers would be suicide.

Secondly, China can build a maritime anti-missile shield, pushing the defense line out to the ocean.

This device, when equipped with the HQ-29, becomes a "anti-missile miracle!" It's specifically designed to intercept intercontinental missiles outside the atmosphere and even low-orbit satellites.

Previously, our anti-missile efforts mainly relied on land-based systems. Now, we can move the "anti-missile position" to the sea, such as in the Indian Ocean, to intercept incoming missiles far out at sea, or to shoot down missiles during their takeoff phase. The national defense perimeter can expand thousands of kilometers outward, effectively adding a "mobile sky shield" to the country!

Finally, equipping it with long-range cruise missiles to conduct strikes over 3,000 kilometers away.

A vertical launch cell of 1.2 meters can hold hypersonic missiles with a range exceeding 3,000 kilometers. Whether it's an enemy aircraft carrier group or a land target 3,000 kilometers away, it can achieve "beyond-line-of-sight strikes." One ship can cover the entire key sea area, upgrading the previous "area denial" to "global hunting," making it impossible for enemies to approach!

You might ask, how to guide targets at such a long distance. In fact, with the advancement of space-based satellite reconnaissance network technology, radar satellites can lock onto targets and guide hypersonic missiles for precision strikes, which is becoming increasingly mature.

You might wonder, is this still a destroyer? I think that a ship capable of doing so much must not be an ordinary warship. Estimated to be 18,000-20,000 tons, it's beyond the scope of traditional warships, almost a "naval combat fortress." Its main features include:

Exceptional endurance, able to "loiter" in the open ocean for a long time.

The massive tonnage brings strong self-sufficiency, allowing long-term deployment in key sea areas without frequent resupply, acting as an "unsinkable strategic outpost," always monitoring surrounding dynamics.

Upgrading from a "tactical sidekick" to a "strategic leader."

Previously, the 055 destroyers were like bodyguards for aircraft carrier groups, mainly handling tactical tasks. However, this 20,000-ton warship is different. It can independently complete strategic missions, becoming the "pillar" of the Chinese Navy's long-range operations.

Nuclear and conventional capabilities combined, with both offensive and defensive functions.

This is the first time a surface warship has simultaneously achieved nuclear strikes, conventional precision strikes, strategic anti-missile, and anti-satellite capabilities. The way naval warfare is played will definitely change!

Let me say again: Is the number of vertical launch units more important, or the size? My answer is the size is more important. Because a larger cell not only allows multiple missiles to be loaded in one hole, but also allows larger missiles to be carried, which determines its greater strategic and tactical value. The truth I often mention, "one shot to win," is the reality.

In short, if we really can develop a 1.2-meter large cell, we will be far ahead of the United States in the vertical launch field. Although the Americans are also learning from the Chinese Navy and want to build larger vertical launch cells, they do not have matching missiles, and will fall behind in the future.

This "ultimate warship" in the blueprint is no longer just a simple piece of equipment: it marks the Chinese Navy's transition from "coastal defense" to "deep blue oceans," from "tactical cooperation" to "strategic deterrence."

Previously, we often said "we need to build a world-class navy." When this "naval sword" truly appears, the Chinese Navy's ability to fight in the open sea will undergo a major transformation, and the strategic situation in the deep sea will certainly change!

Why? Because we have the capability, the US does not. We can strike them, but they cannot reach us. Just wait and see, watch how the Chinese Navy creates new brilliance on the vast ocean!

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7577614741196145171/

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