In a significant boost to its naval capabilities, 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, located in east China's Shandong Province.
The Luohe, bearing the hull number \"545,\" boasts a displacement of approximately 5,000 tonnes. As a new-generation frigate independently developed and constructed by China, it incorporates advanced stealth technology, state-of-the-art combat command systems, and enhanced firepower integration, marking a substantial improvement in overall performance.
With its robust capabilities in comprehensive combat operations and a wide range of military missions, the warship is set to play a vital role in augmenting the combat effectiveness of naval task forces. The addition of the Luohe signifies China's ongoing efforts to modernize its naval fleet in line with national security requirements and broader naval development objectives.
The launch of the Type 054B frigate was officially confirmed by the Ministry of National Defense during a press conference in August 2023. Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the ministry, stated that the PLA Navy's development of key combat vessels is a normal arrangement designed to meet national security needs. He emphasized that this move aligns with China's commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty, security, and development interests, while also contributing to global and regional peace and stability.
\"China has always been committed to the path of peaceful development and adheres to a defensive national defense policy,\" Wu said, highlighting the country's stance on maintaining regional stability.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
