China has commissioned its first Type 054B frigate, the Luohe, into the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy during a ceremony held on Wednesday morning at a military port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province.
The Luohe, bearing the hull number \"545\" and with a displacement of approximately 5,000 tonnes, marks a significant advancement in China's naval capabilities. Independently developed and constructed by China, this new-generation frigate boasts enhancements in stealth technology, combat command systems, and firepower integration, significantly enhancing overall performance.
Equipped with strong capabilities for comprehensive combat operations and diverse military missions, the Luohe is set to play a vital role in bolstering the combat effectiveness of naval task forces.
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 PLA Navy's development of key combat vessels like the Luohe 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, adding that China has always been committed to the path of peaceful development and adheres to a defensive national defense policy.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
