China’s 155mm naval gun seen on test vessel, signalling boost to amphibious landing power

Beijing appears to be testing its 155mm (6.1-inch) naval gun to boost the PLA Navy’s land-attack firepower.The weapon would be the biggest in the People’s Liberation Army’s naval arsenal and could be useful in an amphibious operation against Taiwan.Photos of the massive weapon mounted on the bow of a test vessel have recently emerged on Chinese social media. The location was identified as the Liaonan shipyard in Dalian, in China’s northeastern Liaoning province.The estimated barrel length and turret shape both match previous photos of the 155mm naval gun under development by China North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco), as seen being transported by road early last year.The weapon was spotted last year being transported by road. Photo: HandoutIts appearance on a test ship indicates the project is moving towards undergoing at-sea trials.The gun – reportedly weighing nearly 21.8 tonnes and capable of firing guided munitions – represents a significant upgrade in main gun calibre for the PLA Navy (PLAN). Once operational, it will be the largest calibre main gun of modern navies.