China has taken a significant step in bolstering its naval capabilities with the commissioning of its first Type 054B frigate, the Luohe, into the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy. The ceremony took place on Wednesday morning at a military port in Qingdao, located in east China's Shandong Province.
The Luohe, assigned hull number \"545\", is a new-generation frigate independently developed and constructed by China. With a displacement of approximately 5,000 tonnes, the vessel features advancements in stealth technology, combat command systems, and integrated firepower. These enhancements significantly boost its overall performance and operational effectiveness.
Designed for comprehensive combat operations and a variety of military missions, the Luohe is poised to play a crucial role in enhancing the combat effectiveness of naval task forces. Its induction marks a strategic upgrade in the PLA Navy's capabilities to safeguard national sovereignty and security interests.
The development of the Type 054B frigate was confirmed by the Ministry of National Defense in August 2023. During a press conference, ministry spokesperson Wu Qian stated that the PLA Navy's advancement of key combat vessels is a standard measure aligned with national security requirements and overall naval development objectives. He emphasized that this move contributes to both global and regional peace and stability.
\"China has always been committed to the path of peaceful development and adheres to a defensive national defense policy,\" Wu Qian added, underscoring the nation's stance on maintaining regional harmony while advancing its defense capabilities.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
