In a significant advancement for its naval capabilities, the Chinese mainland has commissioned its first Type 054B frigate, the Luohe, in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy. The commissioning ceremony took place on a Wednesday morning at a military port in Qingdao, Shandong Province.
The Luohe, bearing the hull number \"545,\" is a new-generation frigate with a displacement of approximately 5,000 tonnes. Independently developed and constructed by China, the frigate features cutting-edge stealth technology, advanced combat command systems, and integrated firepower, marking a substantial enhancement in overall performance.
Designed for comprehensive combat operations and a variety of military missions, the Luohe is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening the combat effectiveness of the PLA Navy's task forces. Its induction signifies a strategic step toward modernizing the naval fleet and bolstering maritime defense capabilities.
The launch of the Type 054B frigate was initially confirmed by the Ministry of National Defense during a press conference in August 2023. Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the ministry, stated that the development of key combat vessels like the Luohe is a standard arrangement to meet national security requirements and aligns with 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 said, emphasizing China's commitment to a path of peaceful development and adherence to a defensive national defense policy.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
