The Chinese Type 052D destroyer, Jiaozuo, and the Type 903 supply ship, Hongzehu, are currently visiting Saint Petersburg, Russia, and will participate in the Russian Navy Day parade at the end of the month. However, based on images from the scene, many have observed that the Type 052D is in a state of high alert in Saint Petersburg. There are fully armed personnel on guard, heavy machine guns mounted, and anti-drone equipment deployed to guard against potential threats, including those from Ukraine.
From the details in the pictures, the Type 052D Jiaozuo docked in Saint Petersburg is an upgraded Type 052DL model. One of its features is the upgraded rear mast with a fly-swatter S-band radar. A banner below reads “China-Russia Friendship Endures.” Despite this, the ship’s defenses remain vigilant, with armed personnel carrying Type 95 rifles standing guard, possibly special forces on board, as they are wearing jungle digital camouflage uniforms.
Looking to the side, there is a mounted heavy machine gun with a gun shield, indicating a high state of alert. In addition, this Type 052D is equipped with the latest anti-drone jammers, one of the specialized upgrades of the new Type 052DL. This is not a small jammer but a shipborne large-scale interference device, consisting of a new active anti-drone system with a 360° optical reconnaissance sensor and a multi-spectrum jammer, capable of effectively defending against drones and unmanned boats. There are reasons for the Type 052D’s high alert status.
Firstly, after the Type 052D Jiaozuo arrived in Saint Petersburg, it opened for tours. Many local Chinese expatriates, students, and Chinese workers boarded the ship for tours. In such cases, it is reasonable to ensure proper security.
Secondly, some parts of Russia are currently in a state of conflict, and the adversary, including Ukraine, can directly attack Russian territory. According to CCTV reports, on July 24 local time, the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs reported a car explosion in Moscow. The car owner, Andrei Tolgashov, who served in the Russian Military Intelligence Directorate (GRU), possibly as the deputy director of the Satellite Communications Center, was injured along with his wife.
Moreover, ships docked at Sevastopol port in Crimea frequently face attacks from drones and unmanned boats. In recent years, the Russian Black Sea Fleet has suffered significant losses from such attacks, losing up to a third of its fleet. According to a Ukrainian Navy spokesperson, the last ship of the Black Sea Fleet, a “Storm Petrel-class” anti-submarine frigate, has withdrawn. This ship is 123 meters long, 14 meters wide, and has a displacement of 3,500 tons. This explains why the “Jiaozuo” is equipped with a full set of anti-drone systems.
Thirdly, while Saint Petersburg’s location is relatively safe, it is under NATO’s watchful eyes, and unexpected incidents cannot be ruled out. Especially considering the Baltic Sea outside Saint Petersburg is NATO territory. Although these areas are not conflict zones, there is considerable hostility. The Type 052D traveled through the Danish Straits into the Baltic Sea, essentially entering the lion’s den. Being so close to NATO territory, there is potential for Western provocations or actions that could cause conflicts.
From this perspective, there is a possibility of attacks on key targets within Russian territory. Additionally, unmanned boats and drones pose significant threats to stationary ships in the port. Therefore, amidst the friendly atmosphere between China and Russia, the Russian side will undoubtedly do its utmost to protect ships like the Type 052D. Nonetheless, self-reliance is crucial for safety, and comprehensive security measures are essential. This situation also provides a valuable opportunity for practical training in real combat conditions, especially in anti-drone defense.
Apart from the shipborne anti-drone system mentioned earlier, the Type 052D is also equipped with a quick-reaction radar capable of detecting low, slow, and small targets swiftly. The crew can also use handheld anti-drone jammers against drones. It’s even possible that these advanced systems and equipment will be shared with the Russian side, and joint exercises may be conducted after participating in the Navy Day events.