China's first Type 054B frigate, the Luohe, was officially commissioned into the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy on Wednesday morning at a military port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province.
Designated with hull number \"545\", the Luohe boasts a displacement of approximately 5,000 tonnes. This new-generation frigate, independently developed and constructed by China, features significant advancements in stealth technology, combat command systems, and firepower integration, markedly enhancing its overall performance.
Equipped with strong capabilities for comprehensive combat operations and diverse military missions, the Luohe is set to play a vital role in boosting the overall combat effectiveness of naval task forces. Its induction signifies a major step forward in the modernization and strategic reach of the PLA Navy.
The launch of the Type 054B frigate was confirmed by the Ministry of National Defense during a press conference in August 2023. Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the ministry, stated that the PLA Navy's development of key combat vessels in accordance with relevant plans is a normal arrangement to meet national security requirements and aligns with overall naval development objectives.
\"This move aims to safeguard the country's sovereignty, security, and development interests while contributing to global and regional peace and stability,\" Wu said, emphasizing China's commitment to peaceful development and adherence to a defensive national defense policy.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
