China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has officially commissioned its first Type 054B frigate, the Luohe, during a ceremony on Wednesday morning at a military port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province.
The Luohe, bearing the hull number \"545\", represents a significant advancement in China's naval capabilities. With a displacement of approximately 5,000 tonnes, this new-generation frigate has been independently developed and constructed by China. It features cutting-edge stealth technology, enhanced combat command systems, and integrated firepower, substantially boosting its overall performance.
Designed for comprehensive combat operations and a variety of military missions, the Luohe is poised to play a pivotal role in strengthening the combat effectiveness of naval task forces. The integration of advanced technologies into the Type 054B class signifies a notable upgrade in maritime defense and operational readiness.
The commissioning of the Luohe follows confirmation from the Ministry of National Defense in August 2023 regarding the launch of the Type 054B frigate. During a press conference, ministry spokesperson Wu Qian stated that the development of key combat vessels by the PLA Navy is a standard arrangement to meet national security requirements and aligns with overall naval development objectives.
Wu emphasized that this move aims to safeguard the country's sovereignty, security, and development interests while contributing to global and regional peace and stability. He added that China remains committed to the path of peaceful development and adheres to a defensive national defense policy.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
