China's Type 055 destroyer: air cover for future carrier group

Like the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers of the United States Navy, China's Type 055 guided-missile destroyers were developed to defend the PLA Navy's carrier battle group from enemy air and missile strikes, reports the Beijing-based Sina Military Network.

Photos of a model warship purported to be the Type 055 reveal sophisticated electronics and an integrated stealth mast fitted with advanced electronic support measures.

With such equipment, the Type 055 destroyer can serve as an anti-air warfare command-and-control platform, similar to the role played by US Navy Ticonderoga-class cruisers.

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