In a significant milestone for its naval forces, China has commissioned its first Type 054B frigate, the Luohe, into the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy. The commissioning ceremony took place on Wednesday morning at a military port in Qingdao, located in east China's 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, this advanced warship features state-of-the-art stealth technology, enhanced combat command systems, and integrated firepower capabilities, marking a substantial leap in overall performance.
Designed for comprehensive combat operations and diverse military missions, the Luohe is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening the combat effectiveness of China's naval task forces. Its induction into the fleet underscores China's commitment to modernizing its naval forces to meet evolving security requirements.
The Ministry of National Defense had previously confirmed the launch of the Type 054B frigate 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 aligned with national security needs and the PLA 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 dedication to peaceful development and a defensive national defense policy.
