The Sovremenny-class destroyer is a Soviet-designed warship built for the Russian Navy and later exported to China. Designated Project 956, it was developed primarily for anti-surface and anti-air warfare, featuring a powerful armament suite.In the Russian Navy, the Sovremenny-class was a key surface combatant from the 1980s onward, equipped with Moskit (SS-N-22 Sunburn) supersonic anti-ship missiles, a twin 130mm AK-130 gun system, and a robust air defense suite. However, Russian units suffered from maintenance issues, with many being decommissioned in the early 2000s.In the Chinese Navy (PLAN), four units (two acquired in the 1990s and two in the 2000s) were designated Hangzhou-class destroyers. These ships were modernized with improved electronics and integrated into the PLAN’s blue-water fleet, complementing newer indigenous destroyer designs.While aging, the Sovremenny-class remains a formidable platform, particularly for coastal defense and fleet escort roles, thanks to its heavy firepower and large displacement.