China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has officially commissioned its first Type 054B frigate, the Luohe, at a ceremony held on Wednesday morning at a military port in Qingdao, Shandong Province. This marks a significant milestone in China's naval development, introducing a new generation of frigates with enhanced capabilities.
The Luohe, bearing the hull number \"545\", boasts a displacement of approximately 5,000 tonnes. Independently developed and constructed by China, this state-of-the-art warship features advanced stealth technology, upgraded combat command systems, and integrated firepower solutions. These advancements collectively contribute to a substantial enhancement in the vessel's overall performance.
Designed for comprehensive combat operations and versatile military missions, the Luohe is poised to play a pivotal role in strengthening the combat effectiveness of China's naval task forces. Its induction into the fleet signifies a strategic move to bolster the nation's maritime defense and operational readiness.
The introduction of the Type 054B frigate was officially confirmed by the Ministry of National Defense during a press conference in August 2023. Wu Qian, spokesperson for the ministry, emphasized that the development of key combat vessels by the PLA Navy is a standard procedure aligned with national security requirements and overall 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 stated, reaffirming China's commitment to a path of peaceful development and a defensive national defense policy.
The commissioning of the Luohe underscores China's ongoing efforts to modernize its naval forces and assert its presence in regional and global maritime affairs. As the first of its class, the Type 054B frigate represents a significant advancement in naval technology and strategic capability for the PLA Navy.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
