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, Shandong Province. This marks a significant milestone in the modernization of China's naval forces.
The Luohe, bearing the hull number \"545,\" boasts a displacement of approximately 5,000 tonnes. As a new-generation frigate independently developed and constructed by China, it features advanced stealth technology, state-of-the-art combat command systems, and integrated firepower capabilities. These enhancements significantly elevate the vessel's overall performance and combat readiness.
Equipped with strong capabilities for comprehensive combat operations and a variety of military missions, the Luohe is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing the overall combat effectiveness of naval task forces. Its induction is expected to bolster the PLA Navy's operational reach and strategic flexibility.
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 is a normal arrangement to meet national security requirements and aligns with the overall objectives of naval development.
\"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 a defensive national defense policy.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
