1. The 8,000-ton class 052DL guided-missile destroyer is nearing the threshold for export.
2. The 052D series of destroyers, popularly known as the Changshengzhou class, has undergone至少 two significant design iterations, with increased dimensions and displacement, growing from the early versions around 7,500 tons to approximately 8,500 tons in the latest models.
3. At the northern shipyard, the current batch of 052DL series destroyers features this wider and longer design, reflecting the full displacement of 8,500 tons.
4. The "8,000-ton class" label is now applicable, with the 9,000-ton mark being a near-future target.
5. The 052DL model's first official display at a Middle Eastern defense exhibition suggests that the destroyer may have secured an export license.
6. Regulations and verification mechanisms are stringent regarding the exhibition of actual equipment, with models and presentations often indicating impending export licenses or classification changes, as export license applications may be in progress.
7. For example, the J-20 fighter aircraft has yet to be displayed in model form at any international shows, indicating it is not yet available for export.
8. The unveiling of the 052DL model signifies that the destroyer is in a state where export is possible and an official export license is on the horizon.
9. However, actual sales will depend on the presence of willing buyers.
10. Potential customers for the 052DL do exist, as the market for large-scale destroyers is limited globally. Countries rich in oil resources, feeling security pressures, have shown interest in acquiring such destroyers.
11. The cost of large destroyers with a displacement of 8,000 to 10,000 tons could range from $3 to $4 billion, a price point that wealthy coastal nations might find worth considering.
12. Acquiring the 052DL can rapidly enhance a navy's capabilities and provide comprehensive air and missile defense for coastal areas, making it an appealing choice for such nations.
