Type 052DM is the latest improved version of the Chinese Navy’s Type 052D destroyer, also considered to be the final upgrade. Since the series, the redundancy of Type 052D’s hull has been almost exhausted. As the most perfect upgrade, the displacement of Type 052DM is expected to reach between 7500 tons to 7800 tons. The most significant difference from the previous versions of the 052D is the use of a dual-sided rotating electronically scanned array (AESA) radar operating in the X-band, replacing the previous mechanically scanned Type 364 radar. This new radar increases the detection range of sea-skimming targets to 40 kilometers. In addition to fire control guidance and low-altitude clutter suppression, this new radar can also detect the charging status of vent pipes or conventional submarines surfacing, making it highly practical.
In addition to improvements in radar systems, the ship’s electronic warfare systems and sonar equipment have also been upgraded, enhancing its capabilities compared to past versions. However, even with such significant changes, the cost of the 052DM does not increase much. Its unit cost is estimated to be around $600 million, which is considerably lower than the US Navy’s destroyers, which often cost over $10 to $20 billion each. Even when compared to the latest batch of 055 destroyers, its cost is only half that of the former. After all, the latest batch of 055 destroyers has some changes in detail compared to the first batch, and since the 055 itself is being upgraded continuously during construction, each ship’s performance varies, leading to fluctuations in costs. Nonetheless, even with only half the cost, the 052DM achieves 70% of the combat power of the 055 destroyer, which is remarkable.
Although Type 052D was developed earlier than Type 055, many of its technologies were transferred down as a result of the technological breakthroughs during the development of the 055 project. For example, the large-diameter vertical launch unit originally belonged exclusively to Type 055. If it weren’t for the technological breakthroughs achieved by the 055 destroyer, Type 052D would likely have used two types of vertical launch units simultaneously: the cold launch system from Type 052C and the second-generation vertical launch system similar to that of Type 054A.
It’s worth noting that the vertical launch system of the 054A is not inferior; its size is comparable to the MK41, but its inner diameter is larger, theoretically capable of launching the same ammunition as the MK41. Therefore, the backup vertical launch system for Type 052D at that time was the same as that of the 054A. However, the reason why the 054A’s vertical launch system could only launch HHQ-16 and Yu-8 missiles was because the combat system and central computer were not open architecture, making it not plug-and-play compatible, thus limiting its versatility. Because of this, another vertical launch system planned for Type 052D at the time included the cold launch system from Type 052C, specifically as a dedicated launcher for the HQ-9.
With the transfer of many technologies from the 055 project, the performance of Type 052D has greatly increased compared to the 052C. In fact, ammunition that can be launched by Type 055 destroyer can also be launched by the 052D, such as the YJ-21 Eagle Strike and the upcoming sea-based anti-missile interceptor.
The 30% difference in combat power between Type 052DM and Type 055 destroyer mainly lies in power and electronic equipment. Although it’s only a 30% difference, the performance overflow of this 30% may be stronger than that of foreign mainline warships. Due to the cost-effectiveness success of the 052DM, its production has always been guaranteed, whereas orders for the 055 destroyer are still insufficient. Some believe that as a substitute for the 055 destroyer, the 052DM is likely to be produced in quantities exceeding 30 ships.