Photos released on 25/12 revealed a cargo ship docked at a port in China, its deck laden with containers fitted with weapon systems. Among these were three containers housing a total of 60 large vertical launch systems (VLS), a capacity equivalent to two-thirds of the VLS cells on the Flight I or II variants of US-built Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. This discovery highlights China's growing trend of integrating commercial vessels into its military strategy.

Near the ship's bow, two containers held a Type 1130 close-in weapon system, featuring an 11-barrel 30mm rotary cannon capable of a firing rate of 10,000 rounds per minute. This system specializes in intercepting threats such as anti-ship cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, or suicide boats. Below these, a pair of Type 726 decoy launchers and cylindrical life raft canisters were visible.

A ship carrying containers with vertical launch systems, close-in weapon systems, and radar docked at a port in China in photos released on 25/12. *X/Rich Joe*

A series of containers positioned near the command tower at the stern included a large phased-array radar and two radomes, which appear to house additional radar or communication systems. According to Tyler Rogoway, editor of the US military news site War Zone, the equipment configuration suggests the ship's role extends beyond regional air defense, indicating potential patrol duties.

Rogoway commented, "The launchers on the ship could contain other types of weapons. Such a system could be useful in establishing an air defense network in a specific operational area."

Rogoway considered this an impressive display amidst China's increasing use of cargo ships for combat operations. China has previously converted cargo ships to operate helicopters and utilized ferries for amphibious landings. This method of placing weapon launchers into commercial containers is not a new idea; countries like Russia and Iran have developed similar weapon systems. The US military is also deploying a comparable launcher, designed to fire tomahawk cruise missiles, atacms ballistic missiles, and sm-6 air defense missiles. This approach offers effective camouflage, making detection and targeting difficult for adversaries, as they cannot distinguish between ordinary containers and launchers.

A cargo ship carrying containers with weapons and radar docked at a port in China in photos released on 25/12. *X/Rich Joe*

However, US experts also pointed out some issues with the cargo ship's design. The radar's proximity to the command tower at the stern might reduce operational effectiveness, although remedies exist. Furthermore, it remains unclear what combat information system the cargo ship would be equipped with to effectively utilize its arsenal in battle. "China converting a cargo ship into a floating missile arsenal reveals many interesting possibilities, but the question remains whether this system is feasible. It is unclear if this is a test prototype or a simulated model," US experts stated.

Nguyen Tien (According to War Zone, AFP, AP)