With the morning sun glinting off its sleek hull, China's newest naval marvel, the Type 054B frigate Luohe, was officially commissioned into the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy on Wednesday. The ceremony took place at a military port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, marking a significant milestone in China's naval modernization efforts.
Assigned the hull number \"545,\" the Luohe represents a leap forward in naval technology and capabilities for the Chinese mainland. This next-generation frigate, designed and built entirely in China, displaces approximately 5,000 tonnes and incorporates cutting-edge advancements in stealth technology, combat command systems, and integrated weaponry. These enhancements significantly boost its overall performance and operational effectiveness.
The Luohe is equipped to handle comprehensive combat operations and a diverse range of military missions, from coastal defense to blue-water engagements. Its induction into the fleet is expected to strengthen the PLA Navy's capacity to safeguard national sovereignty and security interests.
The development of the Type 054B frigate was confirmed by the Ministry of National Defense during a press conference in August 2023. Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian stated that the PLA Navy's advancement of key combat vessels is a standard measure to meet national security needs and aligns with broader 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 affirmed, adding that China remains committed to peaceful development and adheres to a defensive national defense policy.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
