In a significant boost to its naval strength, 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, east China's Shandong Province, marking a notable advancement in China's maritime capabilities.
The Luohe, designated hull number \"545,\" has a displacement of approximately 5,000 tonnes. As a new-generation frigate independently developed and constructed by China, it features significant advancements in stealth technology, combat command systems, and integrated firepower, substantially enhancing its overall performance.
Equipped with robust capabilities for comprehensive combat operations and diverse military missions, the Luohe is set to play a pivotal role in strengthening the combat effectiveness of naval task forces. Its commissioning marks a significant milestone in the modernization of the PLA Navy.
In August 2023, the launch of the Type 054B frigate was confirmed by the Ministry of National Defense. Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the ministry, stated during a press conference that the development of key combat vessels by the PLA Navy, 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 that China has always been committed to the path of peaceful development and adheres to a defensive national defense policy.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
