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, east China's Shandong Province.
The Luohe, bearing hull number \"545,\" is a new-generation frigate with a displacement of approximately 5,000 tonnes. Independently developed and constructed by China, the Type 054B boasts cutting-edge stealth technology, advanced combat command systems, and enhanced firepower integration. These features significantly boost the frigate's overall performance, positioning it as a versatile asset in the PLA Navy's fleet.
Designed for comprehensive combat operations and a variety of military missions, the Luohe is set to play a pivotal role in augmenting the combat effectiveness of China's naval task forces. Its introduction reflects China's ongoing commitment to modernizing its naval forces to meet evolving security requirements.
The launch of the Type 054B frigate was confirmed in August 2023 by the Ministry of National Defense. Spokesperson Wu Qian stated that the development of key combat vessels is a standard practice aligned with the nation's defense plans and 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 a path of peaceful development and a defensive national defense policy.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
