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China ready to launch supersize 10,000-ton destroyer, report says

By Elizabeth Shim
China is adding more warships to its naval forces, a Hong Kong-based source said. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI
China is adding more warships to its naval forces, a Hong Kong-based source said. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo

HONG KONG, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- China may not be far from launching a 10,000-ton Type 055 destroyer and building a semi-submersible ship.

According to Hong Kong news service UDN.com, satellite photos indicate Beijing is nearing completion on a supersize destroyer at Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai.

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The warship could be launched before the end of 2016, according to the report published Friday.

Hong Kong-based military commentator Liang Guoliang said the photos show officers from the Zhongchuan Group, and the images indicate construction was reaching its final phase in preparation for a first-time launch.

There appear to be two Type 055 destroyers at the shipyard. At least one ship was equipped with engines, control devices and radar, Liang said.

The destroyer can displace about 12,000 tons and is the largest warship of its class to be manufactured in Asia, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported.

The UDN report stated the destroyer has 96 vertical launching system grids and a helipad capable of accommodating large military helicopters.

The Type 055 can carry YJ-100 long-range anti-ship cruise missiles, anti-submarine missiles and anti-aircraft missiles.

Other Chinese warships in active service include the Type 051 and 052 destroyers.

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China is also making swift progress on the construction of ultra-large semi-submersible ships.

Guangzhou Shipyard International had built a semi-submersible ship at Guangzhou Shipyard on Thursday.

The ship named "Xinguanghua" was delivered to Zhongyuan Shipping the owner, according to the report.

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