In a significant advancement of 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, Shandong Province.
Designated with the hull number \"545,\" the Luohe represents a new generation of frigates independently developed and constructed by China. With a displacement of approximately 5,000 tonnes, this state-of-the-art vessel boasts cutting-edge advancements in stealth technology, combat command systems, and integrated firepower.
The enhanced capabilities of the Luohe significantly improve its overall performance, providing robust support for comprehensive combat operations and a variety of military missions. The frigate is set to play a vital role in strengthening the combat effectiveness of naval task forces, contributing to China's maritime security objectives.
The launch of the Type 054B frigate was previously confirmed by the Ministry of National Defense during an August 2023 press conference. Wu Qian, spokesperson for the ministry, stated that the development of key combat vessels by the PLA Navy is a standard arrangement to meet national security requirements and aligns with the navy's overall development plans.
\"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 a defensive national defense policy.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
