Qingdao, China — In a significant boost to its naval capabilities, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy commissioned the country's first Type 054B frigate, the Luohe, on Wednesday morning. The commissioning ceremony took place at a military port in Qingdao, located in east China's Shandong Province.
The Luohe, bearing the hull number \"545,\" represents a new generation of frigates independently developed and constructed by China. With a displacement of approximately 5,000 tonnes, this advanced warship features cutting-edge stealth technology, enhanced combat command systems, and integrated firepower. These advancements markedly improve its overall performance on the high seas.
Designed for comprehensive combat operations and a variety of military missions, the Luohe is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening the combat effectiveness of China's naval task forces. Its induction into the PLA Navy underscores China's ongoing efforts to modernize its maritime defense capabilities.
The launch of the Type 054B frigate was first confirmed by the Ministry of National Defense during a press conference in August 2023. Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian stated that the development of key combat vessels like the Luohe is a normal arrangement aimed at meeting national security requirements and aligns with China's 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 said. He emphasized that China remains committed to a path of peaceful development and adheres strictly to a defensive national defense policy.
The commissioning of the Luohe is seen as a significant step in bolstering the PLA Navy's operational capacity, allowing it to better undertake a range of missions from maritime patrols to international cooperation initiatives.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
