China Arms Cargo Ship With Missiles in Mobile Air Defense Trial

China has begun trials of a container ship modified into a mobile air defense platform, marking a new phase in its efforts to militarize commercial maritime assets.

The vessel, named ZHONG DA 79, was originally a standard civilian container ship, but has now been outfitted with modular weapons systems, including up to 60 surface-to-air missiles.

According to Defense Express, the ship was seen during its initial sea trials equipped with a modular air defense package composed of 15 shipping containers concealing 60 anti-aircraft missiles.

Although no live-fire tests have yet been reported, the outlet notes that testing so far has focused on the ship’s navigation and handling under the added weight and equipment.

In addition to its missile payload, ZHONG DA 79 reportedly carries two radar systems, a pair of Type-1130 close-in weapon systems (CIWS) in both land and naval variants, four Type 726-4 decoy launchers designed to disrupt incoming anti-ship missiles, and several inflatable life rafts.

Defense Express reports that this vessel is part of a broader Chinese strategy to enable rapid militarization of its vast commercial fleet. China operates one of the world’s largest merchant marine forces, and many of these civilian ships could be converted into military platforms if needed.

In an earlier phase of testing, ZHONG DA 79 was fitted with an electromagnetic catapult system capable of launching various unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), requiring the temporary removal of some of the missile containers and other onboard equipment.

Earlier, China unveiled the CSDCS containerized missile system—an evolution of Russia’s Club-K—capable of launching a wider range of munitions and operable by a small crew. First showcased at the 2022 Zhuhai Airshow, the system is designed to blend with civilian infrastructure, raising concerns over its potential use in surprise maritime strikes.

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