In a significant boost to its naval capabilities, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy on Wednesday commissioned China's first Type 054B frigate, the Luohe, at a military port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province. The ceremony marks a milestone in China's maritime defense as the Luohe joins the fleet to enhance the nation's maritime security and operational readiness.
The Luohe, designated hull number \"545\", is a new-generation frigate with a displacement of approximately 5,000 tonnes. Independently developed and constructed by China, this state-of-the-art warship features advanced stealth technology, cutting-edge combat command systems, and integrated firepower capabilities. These enhancements significantly elevate the frigate's overall performance, positioning it as a formidable asset in modern naval warfare.
Designed for comprehensive combat operations and a range of diverse military missions, the Luohe is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening the combat effectiveness of naval task forces. Its induction into the PLA Navy underscores China's commitment to modernizing its naval forces in line with national security requirements and naval development objectives.
The launch of the Type 054B frigate was initially confirmed by the Ministry of National Defense during a press conference in August 2023. Wu Qian, spokesperson for the ministry, emphasized at the time that the development of key combat vessels is a normal arrangement aimed at safeguarding the country's sovereignty, security, and development interests. He noted that these efforts also contribute to peace and stability on both regional and global scales.
\"China has always been committed to the path of peaceful development and adheres to a defensive national defense policy,\" Wu stated, reaffirming the nation's stance on its military advancements.
The commissioning of the Luohe signifies a step forward in China's naval expansion and its pursuit of enhanced maritime capabilities. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, the addition of such advanced frigates is seen as part of broader efforts to ensure national security and uphold stability in international waters.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
