China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has 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 the hull number \"545\", is a new-generation frigate with a displacement of approximately 5,000 tonnes. Independently developed and constructed by China, the vessel features cutting-edge stealth technology, advanced combat command systems, and integrated firepower enhancements, significantly boosting its overall performance.
Designed for comprehensive combat operations and a range of military missions, the Luohe is set to play a vital role in enhancing the combat effectiveness of China's naval task forces. Its introduction signifies a step forward in the modernization of the PLA Navy.
The launch of the Type 054B frigate was confirmed by the Ministry of National Defense during a press conference in August 2023. Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the ministry, stated that the development of key combat vessels is a normal arrangement to meet national security requirements and aligns with the 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 a defensive national defense policy.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
