China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has officially commissioned its first Type 054B frigate, the Luohe, marking a significant advancement in the nation's naval capabilities. The commissioning ceremony took place on Wednesday morning at a military port in Qingdao, located in east China's Shandong Province.
Designated with hull number \"545,\" the Luohe frigate boasts a displacement of approximately 5,000 tonnes. As a new-generation frigate independently developed and constructed by China, the Luohe integrates cutting-edge stealth technology, advanced combat command systems, and enhanced firepower integration, significantly elevating its overall performance on the high seas.
The Luohe is equipped with robust capabilities for comprehensive combat operations and a variety of military missions. Its induction into the PLA Navy is expected to play a vital role in enhancing the overall combat effectiveness of naval task forces, contributing to the modernization and strategic objectives of China's naval forces.
The development and launch of the Type 054B frigate were 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 in accordance with relevant plans is a normal arrangement to meet national security requirements and aligns with overall naval 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 peaceful development and its defensive national defense policy.
