Saudi Arabia has always been an important customer of China’s arms exports. In the last century, Saudi Arabia sought security guarantees and purchased DF-3 missiles from China, and the results are very satisfactory. The cooperation between the two parties is very pleasant, and the purchase of the Type 052D guided missile destroyer is also expected.

As soon as the news came out, the U.S. immediately expressed concern. U.S. Defense Secretary Austin said that any country that sells weapons to Saudi Arabia must abide by the relevant sanctions, and the U.S. will pay close attention to this issue. Once the procurement is completed, Saudi Arabia will become the country with the most powerful navy in the Middle East.

What are the advantages of the Type 052D guided missile destroyer?

052D is a new type of guided missile frigate independently designed, developed and manufactured by the Chinese Navy. It is currently the most equipped frigate in the Chinese Navy. The first battleship of this type is the Chinese Navy’s “Huangdao” (ship number: 100), which was put into use in 2004 and entered service in 2006. The first 052D destroyer was launched on August 28, 2012, and on March 21, 2014, it became a part of the Chinese Navy.

The Type 052D destroyer adopts a series of advanced technologies and weaponry. First of all, it has strong air defense capabilities and is equipped with a variety of missiles and artillery weapons, including HHQ-9 air defense missiles, HQ-16 air defense missiles, CS/LR3 anti-submarine missiles, YJ-62 anti-ship missiles, 130mm naval guns and Single-barreled 100mm naval gun, etc. Secondly, it is also equipped with a modern combat command system, and has strong electronic warfare capabilities and space navigation technology, which can achieve high-precision guidance and rapid response combat mode.

In addition, the fire control radar, electronic reconnaissance, sonar and other systems of the Type 052D destroyer also use the most advanced technology, and have strong battlefield awareness and combat capabilities. In terms of design, this model pays attention to the distinction between front and rear defenses and multiple defenses, and adopts a new hull shape and structure to make it have better stealth and stability. In terms of maneuverability, the Type 052D destroyer also adopts an efficient propulsion and rudder control system, which enables it to have strong maneuverability and speed growth.

All in all, the Type 052D destroyer is a missile destroyer with excellent performance in air defense, anti-submarine, and anti-ship. It is a typical representative of the Chinese navy and a typical representative of the modernization of the Chinese navy.

Why did Saudi Arabia purchase 12 ships in one go?

Saudi Arabia’s purchase of 12 Type 052D guided missile destroyers in one go this time reflects Saudi Arabia’s anxiety about its own safety. In the past few decades, due to the existence of “petrodollars”, the United States has always acted as the big brother of Saudi Arabia and has been providing assistance to Saudi Arabia in terms of national defense and security. But now the global “de-dollarization” situation is intensifying, and the “petrodollar” will be severely impacted. Moreover, the United States is currently powerless in the Middle East, focusing most of its energy on encircling and suppressing China, and has no time to take into account Saudi Arabia.

Everyone is innocent, but pregnant is guilty. Saudi Arabia is sitting on a huge amount of oil, but its own defense strength is poor, and it can’t even beat Yemen. After all, if my neighbor has food and I have a gun, my neighbor is my granary.