In a significant stride toward modernizing its naval force, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy of China has commissioned its first Type 054B frigate, the Luohe, on Wednesday morning. The commissioning ceremony took place at a military port in Qingdao, located in 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, developed and constructed independently by China, represents a leap forward in naval technology. Enhanced with advanced stealth capabilities, sophisticated combat command systems, and integrated firepower, the Luohe significantly elevates the overall performance of China's naval fleet.
With strong capabilities for comprehensive combat operations and diverse military missions, the warship is poised to play a vital role in enhancing the overall combat effectiveness of naval task forces.
The launch of the Type 054B frigate was first 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 like the Type 054B is a normal arrangement that meets national security requirements and aligns with the navy's overall development objectives.
\"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 the path of peaceful development and a defensive national defense policy.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
