Zaozhuang (542) is a Type 054A frigate of the People's Liberation Army Navy. She was commissioned on 22 February 2019.
Development and design
The Type 054A carries HQ-16 medium-range air defence missiles and anti-submarine missiles in a vertical launching system (VLS) system. The HQ-16 has a range of up to 50 km, with superior range and engagement angles to the Type 054's HQ-7. The Type 054A's VLS uses a hot launch method; a shared common exhaust system is sited between the two rows of rectangular launching tubes.[2]
The four AK-630 close-in weapon systems (CIWS) of the Type 054 were replaced with two Type 730 CIWS on the Type 054A. The autonomous Type 730 provides improved reaction time against close-in threats.[3]
Construction and career
Zaozhuang was commissioned on 22 February 2019.[1] In March 2020, Chinese media reported the ship was combat ready.[4]
The Singapore Navy ships RSS Intrepid and RSS Sovereignty conducted a joint naval exercise with Guiyang and Zaozhuang in the South China Sea on 24 February 2021.[5]
References
- ^ a b Jane's Fighting Ships, 2023-24 Edition, ISBN 978-0-7106-3428 3, page 146.
- ^ 舰载武器SHIPBORNE WEAPONS 2013 AUGUST ISSUE
- ^ "Chinese Navy". Archived from the original on 7 January 2007. Retrieved 27 March 2009.
- ^ Gady, Franz-Stefan (10 March 2020). "China Declares Latest Type 052D Destroyer and Type 054A Frigate 'Combat Ready'". The Diplomat. Archived from the original on 12 March 2020. Retrieved 19 February 2025.
- ^ "Global Times: China and SG conduct joint naval exercise in South China Sea to 'address risks'". The Online Citizen Asia. 2021-02-28. Archived from the original on 2021-02-28. Retrieved 2021-03-07.
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