China Luyang III Fleet Update
China - Navy
| Date | July 1, 2025 |
| Country | China |
| Force | Navy |
| Ship Class | Luyang III |
| Ship Name | Heze |
| Hull Number | 126 |
| Event | Commissioned (+1) |
Description
Commissioned in July 2025 as a Type 052DM variant and assigned to the North Sea Fleet alongside sister ship Zhumadian. The 052DM is an upgraded subvariant featuring a new AESA radar replacing the earlier Type 346A, enhanced electronic warfare systems, and improved command and control capabilities. Heze carries pennant number 126 and represents the continued evolution of the Type 052D platform. The North Sea Fleet assignment of both Heze and Zhumadian signals the PLAN's emphasis on strengthening air defense coverage in its northern maritime approaches.