Qingdao, Shandong Province—In a significant stride toward modernizing 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, marking a milestone in China's maritime advancements.
Designated hull number \"545,\" the Luohe boasts a displacement of approximately 5,000 tonnes. This new-generation frigate has been independently developed and constructed by China, showcasing advancements in stealth technology, integrated combat command systems, and enhanced firepower. These features collectively contribute to a significant boost in the vessel's overall performance.
\"The Luohe represents a leap forward in our naval capabilities,\" an official from the PLA Navy stated. \"With its strong capabilities for comprehensive combat operations and diverse military missions, the frigate will play a vital role in enhancing the overall combat effectiveness of our naval task forces.\"
The Type 054B frigate's commissioning aligns with China's broader objectives of safeguarding its sovereignty, security, and development interests. The vessel's advanced technologies are expected to contribute not only to national defense but also to maintaining global and regional peace and stability.
The launch of the Type 054B frigate was previously confirmed by the Ministry of National Defense during a press conference in August 2023. Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the ministry, emphasized at the time that the development of key combat vessels is a normal arrangement to meet national security requirements and aligns with the overall naval development objectives.
\"China has always been committed to the path of peaceful development and adheres to a defensive national defense policy,\" Wu Qian reiterated, underscoring the country's stance on its military developments.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
