In recent days, there has been a surge of reports regarding China’s Type 055 destroyers. The 9th ship has been painted with hull number 109, signaling that its commissioning is imminent, while the 13th ship has either been launched or is on the verge of doing so. In other words, the construction of the second batch of Type 055 destroyers is approaching completion. This raises an important question: after 2025, will the long-rumored Type 055B destroyer finally emerge?
Development of the Type 055 Destroyer
The Type 055 was designed and developed in the mid-2010s as a large, mainstay destroyer for the PLA Navy (PLAN). The first ship was launched in 2017, following years of design and development that began around 2015. By January 2020, the lead ship officially entered service, and by 2023, the first batch of eight ships had all been commissioned.
With a full-load displacement of about 13,000 tons, the Type 055 is equipped with 112 large-diameter vertical launch system (VLS) cells, capable of hosting a wide range of medium- and long-range missiles. It is the largest operational destroyer in the world, surpassing even many Western counterparts. However, competition in this class is intensifying, with Japan, the UK, India, and the U.S. all developing their own next-generation large destroyers.
The Second Batch: Nearing Completion
China is currently building the second batch of Type 055 destroyers, with reports suggesting either six or eight ships. The class uses four CGT-25M gas turbines and is classified as a first-rank vessel in the PLAN, highlighting its strategic importance.
Recently, multiple updates have emerged online. The 9th ship (hull number 109) is close to commissioning, and according to foreign media, the 13th ship has already been launched (though this requires verification). If the second batch indeed totals six units, this would leave only the 14th ship still under construction.
By around 2027, the PLAN is expected to field at least 14 operational Type 055 destroyers, making it a cornerstone of China’s blue-water fleet.
Will There Be a Third Batch—or the 055B?
The possibility of a third batch of Type 055 destroyers or the launch of the rumored Type 055B remains uncertain. The Type 055 currently relies on CGT-25M gas turbines, which, during the 2010s, were the only mature and reliable choice for Chinese destroyers. Both the Type 052C and Type 052D also use this powerplant.
However, the situation changed dramatically in the 2020s. By December 2024, China unveiled the next-generation CGT-30 and CGT-40 series gas turbines, which offer new propulsion options for future warships. A modified 055-class equipped with four CGT-30Ms could theoretically reach a displacement of 16,000–17,000 tons, rivaling the largest warships worldwide.
This raises the question: does the arrival of these new turbines signal the end of the Type 055 line and the beginning of the Type 055B?
Key Variables for Future Development
Two main uncertainties remain:
- Maturity of New Gas Turbines
Although the CGT-30 and CGT-40 have been unveiled, it is unclear whether they are ready for mass production and fleet-wide installation. - Other Subsystems
Gas turbines are only one component of a large warship. Rumors suggest that the 055B may feature a new 155mm naval gun, advanced VLS modules, and next-generation integrated systems. Unless these subsystems are fully matured, the PLAN may opt to build a third batch of current Type 055s instead of rushing into a new design.
Outlook
From an emotional perspective, many military enthusiasts—and even naval analysts—hope to see the 055B or even more advanced designs (such as the rumored Type 057 or Type 058) appear after 2025. However, practical considerations demand caution. Weapons development depends on a combination of technological readiness, subsystem maturity, and strategic needs.
If new technologies are not yet fully mature, it would not be surprising to see the PLAN continue with a third batch of Type 055 destroyers before moving to the next generation.
References
- PLA Navy official commissioning reports (2020–2025).
- Chinese state media and defense industry releases (2024–2025).
- Foreign media coverage on Type 055 and 055B rumors (2025).
