China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has officially commissioned its first Type 054B frigate, the Luohe, marking a significant advancement in the nation's naval capabilities. The commissioning ceremony took place on Wednesday morning at a military port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province.
The Luohe, bearing the hull number \"545,\" is a new-generation frigate with a displacement of approximately 5,000 tonnes. Independently developed and constructed by China, the Type 054B features state-of-the-art stealth technology, advanced combat command systems, and integrated firepower capabilities. These enhancements significantly boost the ship's overall performance and operational effectiveness.
Designed for comprehensive combat operations and diverse military missions, the Luohe is expected to play a vital role in enhancing 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 broader naval development objectives.
The launch of the Type 054B frigate was 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 is a normal arrangement to meet national security needs and aligns with the PLA Navy's overall development goals.
\"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 China's commitment to peaceful development and a defensive national defense policy.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
