China's first Type 054B frigate, the Luohe, was officially commissioned into the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy on Wednesday morning at a ceremony held at a military port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province.
Designated with the hull number \"545,\" the Luohe represents a significant advancement in China's naval capabilities. With a displacement of approximately 5,000 tonnes, this new-generation frigate has been independently developed and constructed by China, showcasing the nation's growing prowess in naval engineering.
The Type 054B frigate boasts cutting-edge advancements in stealth technology, combat command systems, and firepower integration. These enhancements significantly elevate its overall performance, providing the PLA Navy with a versatile and formidable asset in both comprehensive combat operations and diverse military missions.
\"The commissioning of the Luohe marks a milestone in the modernization of our naval forces,\" stated Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, during a press conference in August 2023 confirming the launch of the Type 054B frigate. \"The development of key combat vessels like the Luohe is a normal arrangement to meet national security requirements and aligns with our overall naval development objectives.\"
Wu emphasized that this move aims to safeguard the country's sovereignty, security, and development interests while contributing to global and regional peace and stability. He added, \"China has always been committed to the path of peaceful development and adheres to a defensive national defense policy.\"
The integration of the Luohe into the PLA Navy underscores China's commitment to enhancing its maritime defense capabilities amid evolving security dynamics in the region. As the first of its class, the Type 054B frigate is expected to play a vital role in bolstering the combat effectiveness of naval task forces, ensuring readiness to address various challenges and uphold national interests.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by senior naval officials and representatives, reflecting the significance of this addition to the PLA Navy fleet. The Luohe's deployment is anticipated to have a positive impact on maintaining peace and stability in the region, aligning with China's vision of peaceful development and cooperation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
