Naval Giants in the Tasman: Comparing China’s Warships to Australia’s
By Liep Gatwech | Melbourne | 6 March 2025
China vs Australia warships comparison ! Task Group 107, a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy task force currently transiting Australian waters, has drawn significant attention. This raises questions about its capabilities and how it compares to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). The flotilla includes the Renhai-class cruiser Zunyi, the Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang, and the Fuchi-class replenishment vessel Weishanhu. It showcases Beijing’s growing maritime reach. But how does it measure up against the RAN in firepower, technology, and strategic impact?
China’s Task Group 107: A Show of Strength
The newly commissioned Zunyi, a powerful Type 055 destroyer, leads the flotilla. It participated in live-fire exercises within Australia’s Economic Exclusion Zone. This ship is one of Beijing’s most advanced combat vessels, highlighting China’s expanding blue-water capabilities. It houses about 300 sailors, displaces 13,000 tons, and carries 112 vertical launch system (VLS) cells. These cells fire HHQ-9B surface-to-air missiles, YJ-18 anti-ship cruise missiles, and CJ-10 land-attack cruise missiles. The YJ-18, with a range of 540 km, and the CJ-10, exceeding 1,900 km, make Zunyi a formidable force.
Supporting Zunyi is Hengyang, a Type 054A Jiangkai-class guided-missile frigate. Commissioned in 2008, this 4,000-ton vessel specializes in air defense and anti-submarine warfare. It features 32 VLS cells loaded with HQ-16 surface-to-air missiles and YJ-83 sea-skimming anti-ship missiles. The advanced radar system can track up to 40 targets over 120 km. Hengyang plays a vital role in escorting the task group.
The Weishanhu, a Type 903A Fuchi-class replenishment vessel, ensures extended operations. With a displacement of 23,000 tons, it can carry 11,000 tons of supplies. Though lightly armed, it supports the fleet with critical logistical endurance. China vs Australia warships comparison!
The Royal Australian Navy’s Response
Australia’s most advanced warships are the three Hobart-class destroyers. These vessels are crucial for air and missile defense. Each one weighs 7,000 tons and carries a 48-cell Mark 41 VLS. They fire SM-2 Block IIIB and RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM) for air defense. The SM-2 intercepts threats up to 167 km away. The Naval Strike Missile extends anti-ship engagement beyond 200 km. Additional weapons include a 5-inch Mark 45 gun and MU90 torpedoes.
Despite these strengths, the PLA Navy has a clear numerical and firepower advantage. Type 055 destroyers, such as Zunyi, double the VLS capacity of Hobart-class destroyers. This provides greater flexibility in combat operations. The YJ-18 missile, which reaches Mach 3 in its terminal phase, outperforms Australia’s Naval Strike Missile. It is harder to intercept, making it a significant threat.
Future Developments and Strategic Implications
Australia is working to close this gap. Under the AUKUS agreement, the RAN is integrating Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles. These missiles can strike targets over 1,500 km away. While they do not immediately resolve the anti-ship missile disparity, they enhance Australia’s long-range offensive reach. This shift could deter future naval confrontations.
China’s Task Group 107 in Australian waters signals its growing naval assertiveness. The PLA Navy has advantages in fleet size and missile range. However, the RAN remains technologically advanced and deeply integrated into allied defense networks. As regional power dynamics evolve, Australia must maintain a credible deterrent against an expanding Chinese maritime presence.
