China has officially commissioned its inaugural Type 054B frigate, the Luohe, into the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy on Wednesday morning at a bustling military port in Qingdao, Shandong Province.
Designated with the hull number \\"545\\", the Luohe boasts a displacement of approximately 5,000 tonnes. This state-of-the-art frigate is a testament to China's independent development and construction capabilities, featuring significant advancements in stealth technology, combat command systems, and firepower integration. These enhancements markedly elevate the ship’s overall performance and operational efficiency.
The Luohe is equipped with robust capabilities for comprehensive combat operations and diverse military missions, positioning it as a crucial asset in boosting the combat effectiveness of naval task forces. Its versatile design ensures readiness for a wide array of missions, from maritime security to power projection.
The commissioning of the Type 054B frigate was confirmed by the Ministry of National Defense during a press conference in August 2023. Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the ministry, highlighted that the PLA Navy's development of essential combat vessels follows strategic plans aligned with national security needs and broader naval development objectives.
Wu emphasized that this advancement aims to safeguard China’s sovereignty, security, and developmental interests while contributing to global and regional peace and stability. He assured that China remains dedicated to peaceful development and adheres to a defensive national defense policy.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
