In a significant advancement for the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, China has commissioned its first Type 054B frigate, the Luohe, at a ceremony held on Wednesday morning at a military port in Qingdao, Shandong Province.
The Luohe, bearing the hull number \\"545\\", represents a new generation of frigates with a displacement of approximately 5,000 tonnes. Independently developed and constructed by China, this state-of-the-art warship incorporates cutting-edge stealth technology, advanced combat command systems, and integrated firepower, substantially enhancing its overall performance and operational capabilities.
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 China's naval task forces. Its commissioning marks a milestone in the PLA Navy's ongoing modernization efforts.
The development of the Type 054B frigate was officially confirmed by the Ministry of National Defense during a press conference in August 2023. Wu Qian, spokesperson for the ministry, emphasized that the PLA Navy's progression in developing key combat vessels is a strategic move aligned with national security requirements and overall naval development objectives.
\\"This initiative aims to safeguard the country's sovereignty, security, and development interests while contributing to global and regional peace and stability,\\" Wu stated, reaffirming China's commitment to peaceful development and a defensive national defense policy.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
