♦ The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has officially commissioned a new Type 052D guided-missile destroyer, featuring upgraded radar, weapon systems, and network architecture designed to enhance air defense, sea strike, and task force command capabilities.

♦ The new destroyer, named Loudi and bearing hull number 176, was officially put into service. China’s first Type 052D destroyer, the Kunming, entered service on March 21, 2014. Since then, multiple vessels of this class have been added to the fleet, each incorporating incremental modifications and improvements.

♦ The Loudi is capable of long-range strikes against adversaries while also providing defensive protection for allied vessels.