China Commissioning of First Type 054B Guided-Missile Frigate

In Qingdao, Shandong province, China marked a notable milestone in its naval expansion by commissioning its first Type 054B guided-missile frigate, the CNS Luohe. During a ceremony attended by officials from the Navy, local government representatives, and experts from China State Shipbuilding Corp, the ship was formally handed over to the North Sea Fleet. This vessel, identified by hull number 545, represents a next-generation warship aimed at transforming the Navy’s operational capabilities.

The new frigate, with nearly 5,000 metric tons of displacement, exhibits significant improvements over the earlier Type 054A series. The CNS Luohe boasts advanced technological breakthroughs in stealth, combat command, and firepower control, which together enhance its versatility in a range of naval missions. The ship is equipped with 32 vertical launching cells capable of firing various missiles and torpedoes, complemented by eight anti-ship missile launch tubes, a 100-millimeter main gun, and multiple close-in weapon systems.

Industry experts have noted that the Type 054B is the largest frigate class ever operated by the PLA Navy, almost rivaling older destroyers in size. This greater size allows for the carriage of additional ordnance and fuel, potentially supporting future upgrades. Moreover, enhancements in the propulsion and radar systems significantly extend the vessel’s operational range and detection capabilities, enabling it to perform not only anti-submarine operations but also fleet air-defense tasks effectively.

Furthermore, the design of the CNS Luohe accommodates larger helicopters like the Z-20, which can be crucial in detecting and countering submarine threats. As China continues to broaden its maritime operations to secure global peace and protect its national interests, the introduction of more advanced and larger frigates is expected to strengthen the PLA Navy’s capacity on the international stage.