Chinese warships, including Renhai-class, Luyang III-class destroyers, spotted in Indian Ocean
- In Reports
- 06:22 PM, Jun 21, 2024
- Myind Staff
Chinese warships are frequently seen in the Indian Ocean as part of anti-piracy patrols. However, a flotilla spotted between May 18 and 27 raised eyebrows due to its sheer presence.
The fleet included a Renhai-class stealth guided-missile destroyer, a Luyang III-class destroyer, a Jiangkai-II-class frigate, and a replenishment ship. It is uncommon for the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) to deploy such a powerful fleet. This time, the warships entered through the Malacca Strait and reached south of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, although they did not approach closely.
The Chinese naval presence in the Indian Ocean during this period was notable for its duration and composition. Leading the flotilla was the Renhai-class warship, a substantial vessel weighing 12,000 tonnes and equipped with both land-attack cruise missiles and anti-ship ballistic missiles. This class of warships, often referred to as a cruiser, is relatively new, with ongoing production adding to its fleet of eight ships.
Accompanying the Renhai-class was the Luyang III-class guided-missile destroyer, a 7,500-tonne vessel armed with surface-to-surface missiles, showcasing its capability in naval operations. Supporting these two formidable vessels was the Jiangkai-class frigate, a 4,000-tonne ship equipped with anti-ship and anti-submarine weaponry, frequently observed in the Indian Ocean.
Additionally, the presence of a replenishment ship underscored the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy's readiness for extended maritime missions. This deployment hints at future instances where such robust Chinese naval groups are likely to become more frequent visitors to the Indian Ocean.
Image source: Times of India
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