China has marked a significant milestone in its naval development with the commissioning of the 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, east China's Shandong Province.
Designated with the hull number \"545,\" the Luohe boasts a displacement of approximately 5,000 tonnes. This new-generation frigate, independently developed and constructed by China, integrates advancements in stealth technology, combat command systems, and firepower integration, substantially enhancing its overall performance.
The Luohe is equipped with robust capabilities for comprehensive combat operations and is versatile in executing diverse military missions. Its addition to the fleet is expected to play a vital role in strengthening the overall combat effectiveness of China's naval task forces.
The launch of the Type 054B frigate was confirmed earlier 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 aligned with meeting national security requirements and the broader 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 remarked, emphasizing China's commitment to peaceful development and adherence to a defensive national defense policy.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
