PLAN Vessel Inventory

Dont forgett several Amphibious classes like the Type-072 I-III large landning ships.

Also, I'd say a fair deal of here mentioned old platforms are, in fact, by now either retired from service or serving only as training platforms. That means old 053 frigates and romeo class submarines. I think even the ming class is in the process of leaving the active service and i doubt all 18 are in service.

Furthermore, there havent been, to my knowledge, conclusive reports about 5 093s and 3 094s. To date 3 different 093s have been seen, and 2 094s. And 094 perhaps are not comissioned but still testing.

Originally Posted by Totoro

Also, I'd say a fair deal of here mentioned old platforms are, in fact, by now either retired from service or serving only as training platforms. That means old 053 frigates and romeo class submarines. I think even the ming class is in the process of leaving the active service and i doubt all 18 are in service.

Furthermore, there havent been, to my knowledge, conclusive reports about 5 093s and 3 094s. To date 3 different 093s have been seen, and 2 094s. And 094 perhaps are not comissioned but still testing.

I only made 2 categories to simplfy it. Service could actually mean sea trials, testing, training platform, refitting etc.. basically meaning it has finished construction. I know its not literally accurate but I did it for followers to easily read and get numbers from. If I was make it all technical than I would need to add categories of "refit, sea trials, weapons testing, in service, training, storage, etc...." If it ain't retired its placed into the in service status. Doesn't neccessarly mean literally in service. I tried to make it as easy as possible to read. Process of leaving but as of now it isn't, their hasn't been any cermony for its discommision so I'm assuming they are still in service. Too many assumptions, the data though is updated 2/12/10, its based on the last time we either heard or saw of it. I ain't basing my data on "official reports" cause if I was basing J-10 on official reports as when it was in service, then I would say 2005. Which we all know is complete garbage, cause we all know that we seen it in service as early as 2002.

Originally Posted by Riverman

Dont forgett several Amphibious classes like the Type-072 I-III large landning ships.

I haven't finished the list, cause I'm also busy compiling one for the PLAAF Inventory at the same time. Patience

That is all fine but i don't think there is always a retirement ceremony for a vessel, particulary smaller vessels like submarines. Since those figures for ming and romeo subs were around since 2005 i'd think it's highly unlikely they haven't been retired since, considering new subs were placed in service. Its more likely they've just been quietly taken out of service. PLAN fleet can't be expanding all the time, it's much more likely the overall number of subs will actually somewhat drop compared to 2005 levels, though of course more modern models will comprise the majority of sub fleet.

Originally Posted by Totoro

That is all fine but i don't think there is always a retirement ceremony for a vessel, particulary smaller vessels like submarines. Since those figures for ming and romeo subs were around since 2005 i'd think it's highly unlikely they haven't been retired since, considering new subs were placed in service. Its more likely they've just been quietly taken out of service. PLAN fleet can't be expanding all the time, it's much more likely the overall number of subs will actually somewhat drop compared to 2005 levels, though of course more modern models will comprise the majority of sub fleet.

I'm open to any objections and suggestions with my numbers. Provided with some sort of picture, video link, article, and other kind of evidence that suggest X numbers of vessels. About the refitted Ming I've seen from CCTV7 them to be in rear line service. My thoughts are that they are to keep the crew trained up or busy, until newer SSK are inducted. You don't want to retire a crew who is so familiar with submarine operating experience. I don't see them reducing the submarine force any smaller than it is now, since 2000-present they've maintained about a 1-1 replacement ratio, with a strength of 55-59 SSK serving the PLAN. I expect the Ming to be retired very soon by the Yuan class. The Romeo will still be within the PLAN Inventory for couple more years to come.

This depends on your definition of in service. I believe the romeo class is just used for training purpose now. Ming should stay in service for a while longer. Some of then are quite new.

Originally Posted by HKSDU

I'm open to any objections and suggestions with my numbers. Provided with some sort of picture, video link, article, and other kind of evidence that suggest X numbers of vessels. About the refitted Ming I've seen from CCTV7 them to be in rear line service. My thoughts are that they are to keep the crew trained up or busy, until newer SSK are inducted. You don't want to retire a crew who is so familiar with submarine operating experience. I don't see them reducing the submarine force any smaller than it is now, since 2000-present they've maintained about a 1-1 replacement ratio, with a strength of 55-59 SSK serving the PLAN. I expect the Ming to be retired very soon by the Yuan class. The Romeo will still be within the PLAN Inventory for couple more years to come.

Nice job though. About as accurate as anyone can get on these things. I can't wait for your PLAAF inventory.

I think the 053HT-T is now a training ship, and the 2 x 052 Luhu DDG's are stripped for major refit right now.

I think a more useful classification would be then:

ship class/variant - number of ships in service - number of ships under construction AND testing/undergoing sea trials.

Applying that, and applying other things people have said, i'd suggest the actual list is closer to this:

Destroyer = 28
Type 051C : 2 service
Type 052C : 2 service / 2 construction
Type 052B : 2 service
956EM : 2 service
956 : 2 service
Type 051B : 1 service
Type 052 : 2 service
Type 051 : 11-13 service

Frigate = 57
Type 054A : 7-8 service / 4-5 construction (or trials)
Type 054 : 2 service
Type 053H3 : 10 service
Type 053H2G : 4 service
Type 053H1G : 6 service
Type 053HT-T : 1 service
Type 053H2 : 3 service
Type 053H1 : 8 service
Type 053H : 5 service (??)

Amphibious
Type 071 : 1 service / 1 construction
Type 072 : 25 service

SSK = 59
Type 039A/B : 3-4 service / 1-2 under construction or trials
Project 636/877 : 12 service
Type 039/G/G1: : 13-16 service
Type 035 : 15-18 service. Some may be used for training only.
Type 033 : mostly out of service, used for training only.

SSN = 8
Type 093 : 2 service / 3 under construction or trials?
Type 091 : 3 service

SSBN = 4
Type 094 : 3 either in service or under trials
Type 092 : 1 service

Aircraft Carrier
Varyag : 1 construction

I think this thread needs some updating as it's been 6 monhts since the last one I would if I could but Ihaven;t been keeping count

Originally Posted by kwaigonegin

I think this thread needs some updating as it's been 6 monhts since the last one I would if I could but Ihaven;t been keeping count

I have. look at the first post

for Type 071 LPD there is 1 in service 1 under trials and 1 under construction

I am curious how dose one obtain the more or less accurate number of Chinese SSBNs?

You know there was, is, and continue will be, arguments among more or less experts in the online community, that 1 number of 092 (despite the "current" 094s) didn't actually fit the job of "combat readyness", like - China's second strike capability takes a holyday?

this is very interesting

is there such a thread for PLAAF which includes helicopter?