China’s Type 055 Destroyer Prove Superior in Wargame Simulation

In a bold simulation that mirrors the high stakes of future naval warfare, a Chinese Type 055 destroyer faced off against a formidable fleet of eight U.S. Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.

This recent wargame, organized by the China Ship Development and Design Centre and Huazhong University of Science and Technology, showcases a scenario where cutting-edge technology and unmanned systems redefine the battlefield.

Tensions are rising in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly over Taiwan. This simulated clash offers a glimpse into how the future of naval combat could unfold, with drones, missiles, and advanced warfare strategies at the forefront.

The wargame simulated an intense engagement where the Type 055 destroyer, regarded as one of the most advanced surface combatants in the world, launched a series of unmanned vessels to enhance its strike capabilities.

Specifically, the Chinese destroyer deployed 32 drones and 14 unmanned boats, using these assets to launch a multi-pronged attack on the American fleet. In response, the U.S. destroyers fired 32 Tomahawk and LRASM cruise missiles, each costing more than $3 million.

Despite the barrage of missiles, the Type 055 destroyer successfully detected and intercepted the incoming threats while maintaining enough firepower to execute a counterattack on the U.S. combatants.

This wargame serves as a demonstration of China’s growing naval capabilities and its integration of unmanned systems into military operations.

The combination of manned and unmanned assets is creating a “kill web”—a low-cost, high-efficiency system that allows for more dynamic and flexible engagements.

The ability of the Type 055 to autonomously deploy drones and unmanned boats is particularly significant, signaling a shift towards more complex and sophisticated naval tactics in future conflicts.

Type 055 destroyer vs the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers: which is better?

Following the recent wargame simulation where China’s Type 055 destroyer faced off against the U.S. Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, the technological differences between these two ships became even more significant.

When comparing the size and displacement of these two destroyers, the Type 055 is notably larger, measuring approximately 180 meters in length and displacing around 13,000 tons.

This size allows for a greater number of onboard systems, weapons, and munitions, making it a true multi-role surface combatant. In contrast, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer is slightly smaller at around 155 meters and displaces about 9,000 tons.

While the Arleigh Burke is more mobile due to its smaller size, this also means it has less capacity for carrying weapons and systems compared to the Type 055.

The missile systems aboard both ships further illustrate their technological differences. The Type 055 is equipped with a vertical launch system (VLS) that can accommodate up to 112 missile cells, giving it the ability to launch a wide variety of missiles, including anti-ship, land-attack, and air defense systems. This extensive missile capacity emphasizes the Type 055’s long-range strike capabilities.

The Arleigh Burke, particularly in its latest Flight III configuration, features a VLS with 96 cells, capable of launching Tomahawk cruise missiles, Standard missiles for air defense, and LRASM anti-ship missiles. While the Arleigh Burke is effective, its smaller missile capacity may limit its ability to sustain prolonged combat compared to the Type 055.

Both destroyers boast advanced sensor and electronic warfare capabilities, but the Type 055 is designed to operate in more demanding electronic warfare environments. Equipped with state-of-the-art radar systems, the Type 055 offers enhanced situational awareness and targeting capabilities.

On the other hand, the Arleigh Burke is equipped with the sophisticated Aegis Combat System, which integrates powerful radars and sensors for air defense and missile tracking.

However, some experts suggest that the U.S. Navy’s electronic warfare capabilities may lag behind those of China, giving the Type 055 an edge in certain operational scenarios.

One of the most striking differences between the two destroyers is the integration of unmanned systems. The Type 055 has demonstrated a strong emphasis on incorporating unmanned vessels into naval operations.

Recent wargames showcased its ability to deploy drones and unmanned boats, enhancing its combat effectiveness while reducing operational costs. While the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are capable of operating alongside unmanned systems, they have not yet integrated these assets to the same extent as the Type 055, which could give China a tactical advantage in future naval engagements.

Finally, the operational philosophy behind each ship also sets them apart. The Type 055 represents a shift towards a more innovative, technologically driven approach to naval warfare. It emphasizes networked operations and multi-domain integration, making it highly adaptable in modern combat scenarios.

The Arleigh Burke, with decades of operational experience, prioritizes versatility and proven combat effectiveness across a wide range of missions. Its design reflects the U.S. Navy’s emphasis on reliability and flexibility in various operational theaters.

In short, the Type 055 destroyer and the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers each have their strengths and unique capabilities. While the Type 055 leads in terms of technological innovation and integration of unmanned systems, the Arleigh Burke remains a stalwart of versatility and proven performance.