China's massive 11,000-ton warship showcases anti-submarine capabilities

China’s Type 055 large destroyer, exemplified by the warship Zunyi, has significantly enhanced its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, as demonstrated during a recent training exercise in the South China Sea. The destroyer’s substantial 11,000-ton size enables it to carry advanced sonar systems, including both bow-mounted and towed sonar arrays, which improve submarine detection range and accuracy. During the exercise, Zunyi successfully detected and tracked simulated submarine targets, transmitting real-time data to other units to support coordinated fleet operations. The ship also operates two anti-submarine helicopters, further extending its surveillance and rapid response capabilities. The South China Sea’s complex underwater environment and active submarine presence provided a realistic training ground, where Zunyi spent over 200 days at sea in the past year, covering more than 50,000 nautical miles. This extensive deployment has allowed the crew to refine combat tactics and system operations, turning sophisticated onboard equipment into effective combat performance. According to