China's first Type 054B frigate, the Luohe, was officially commissioned into the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy on Wednesday morning at a military port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province.
The Luohe, bearing hull number \"545,\" represents a significant advancement in China's naval capabilities. With a displacement of approximately 5,000 tonnes, this new-generation frigate is independently developed and constructed by China. It features state-of-the-art stealth technology, advanced combat command systems, and integrated firepower capabilities, significantly enhancing its overall performance.
Designed for comprehensive combat operations and a variety of military missions, the Luohe is expected to play a vital role in strengthening the combat effectiveness of naval task forces. Its induction into the PLA Navy underscores China's commitment to modernizing its naval fleet to meet evolving security requirements.
The launch of the Type 054B frigate was first confirmed by the Ministry of National Defense during a press conference in August 2023. Wu Qian, spokesperson for the ministry, stated that the development of key combat vessels like the Luohe is a normal arrangement aligned with national security needs and the overall objectives of naval development.
\"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 remains committed to the path of peaceful development and adheres to a defensive national defense policy.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
