In a significant boost to its naval capabilities, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy commissioned its first Type 054B frigate, the Luohe, on Wednesday morning. The commissioning ceremony took place at a military port in Qingdao, in east China's Shandong Province.
The Luohe, bearing the hull number \"545,\" represents a new generation of frigates independently developed and constructed by China. With a displacement of approximately 5,000 tonnes, the vessel features advanced stealth technology, state-of-the-art combat command systems, and integrated firepower capabilities, significantly enhancing its overall performance.
This cutting-edge warship is equipped for comprehensive combat operations and a variety of military missions, promising to play a pivotal role in strengthening the combat effectiveness of naval task forces.
The launch of the Type 054B frigate had been confirmed earlier by the Ministry of National Defense during an August 2023 press conference. Wu Qian, spokesperson for the ministry, stated that the development of key combat vessels is part of the PLA Navy's 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
