OVERVIEW: The SOVREMENNY DDG (Project 956EM) is a large, steam-turbine powered ASUW destroyer.

DETAILS:   The SOVREMENNY class DDG is intended primarily for surface warfare and complements the UDALOY-class destroyer in this role. Because of this, it carries minimal ASW armament and sensors. It also is intended to provide anti-air capability for a task force. he destroyer has no infrared signature reduction measures.  A total of four were constructed for the PLAN.   When commissioned, these ships vastly exceeded the capabilities of most Chinese domestic designs, and was intended to fill the gap in its combat capability caused by the delay in developing indigenous designs. 


As of 2016, Hangzhou was reported to be undergoing refit with its original components replaced with domestic systems. In addition to replacement of electronics and sensors with updated domestic systems, armament upgrades include replacing 2x4 3M80E Moskit anti-ship missiles with 2x4 YJ-18 supersonic missiles, and installing a 32 cell VLS launcher for SA-17 SAMs or CY-3 ASROCs. A short range HQ-10 launcher was also added.

SPECIFICATIONS:
 
	Displacement: 6200 tons standard
       	Speed: 35 knts
       	Range: 2400 nm @ 32 knts; 10500 nm at 14 knts
      	Complement: 350 (approx.)
       

NOTES: In service December 1999-date (PLAN). HANGZHOU (136), FUZHOU (137), TAIZHOU (138), NIGBO (139)

SOURCES:  Norman Polmar, "Guide to the Soviet Navy, 3rd ed. (Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1983), 155-56 ; GlobalSecurity.org - Reliable Security Information. "Sovremenny Class - Project 956." Accessed November 16, 2013. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/956.htm  ; Federation of American Scientists. "Udaloy Class - Project 1155." Accessed November 12, 2013. http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship/row/rus/1155_1.htm; https://web.archive.org/web/20060822180006/http://www.sinodefence.com/navy/surface/sovremenny.asp


