China's Type 051C destroyers undergo refit as legacy warships near retirement

Key facts

• The Shenyang, hull number 115, is the lead ship of the Type 051C class.
• The refit may include integration of advanced new vertical launch systems and modern radars.
• The Type 051C destroyers were launched in January 2006 and January 2007.
• The ships were originally equipped with Russian S-300FM long-range surface-to-air missiles.

China's Type 051C destroyer Shenyang has been observed undergoing sea trials following a reported refit. This development comes as the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) begins to retire older warships, making way for a new generation of vessels. Photographs suggest that the Shenyang, hull number 115 and the lead ship of its class, has had its Russian-made components replaced with domestic air defense systems. The modernization efforts aim to enhance the combat capabilities of these destroyers, which were originally equipped with Russian radars and S-300FM missiles. The Type 051C class, comprising only two ships launched in 2006 and 2007, served as a stepping stone for China's indigenous destroyer development, leading to the Type 052C and Type 052D classes.