[15] The appearance of the Type 052D, with flat-panelled radar and canister-based vertical launch system, has encouraged this informal use.

The VDS body is a streamlined fairing fitted with Y-shaped hydrodynamic vanes for towing stability.

[4] The Type 052D may be using the joint service integrated datalink system (JSIDLS) and naval common tactical data link (NCTDL).

NCTDL is a next-generation two-way encrypted data link with support for electro-optic and laser pod UAVs; it replaces the older HN-900.

[4] A stretched variant, commonly and unofficially referred to as Type 052DL, has a flight deck extended by four metres (13 ft 1 in).