Second Type 054B Frigate Unveiled by China's PLA Navy Amidst Strengthening Naval Capabilities

On April 12, 2025, the PLA South Sea Fleet unveiled a poster featuring the second Type 054B frigate, identified as hull number 555. This display follows the commissioning of the first Type 054B frigate, Warship 545 Luohe, earlier that year in January. According to military experts, the introduction of this second ship will enable it to be deployed in the South China Sea and test its capabilities in various maritime conditions before the possibility of mass production arises.

The poster was part of a promotional campaign leading up to the 76th founding anniversary of the PLA Navy, set for April 23. It marks the official debut of the Type 054B frigate, showcasing the vessel adorned with crew members organized on the starboard side. Aside from the differing hull numbers, the new Warship 555 bears striking similarities to its predecessor, Warship 545. Unfortunately, the poster did not include any additional details about the ship's specific location or operational status.

The first Type 054B frigate, commissioned at a naval base in Qingdao, has a displacement of around 5,000 tons and signifies a new generation of frigates created by China that boasts improvements in stealth technology, combat command systems, and integrated firepower control. The enhancements in combat capabilities and mission flexibility make the Type 054B an essential asset for bolstering the effectiveness of naval formations, thereby contributing to the modernization of the Chinese Navy.

Expert Zhang Junshe explained that the Type 054B is a development of the previous Type 054A, offering greater displacement and enhanced operational range. While the first frigate operates under the PLA North Sea Fleet, the newly revealed ship operates under the South Sea Fleet, indicating strategic deployments in different regions of the seas surrounding China. The intent is to gather operational experience swiftly and enhance the combat readiness of this new class of frigates.

The first Type 054B frigate has initiated training exercises in the Yellow Sea, suggesting active readiness and operational testing. As more data becomes available, it is anticipated that China will begin mass production of this advanced and cost-effective frigate model. This ship class is expected to support aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships, thereby strengthening the Chinese Navy's ability to operate in far seas.

In reference to the frigate's introduction, Senior Colonel Wu Qian from China's Ministry of National Defense emphasized at a press conference that these developments align with national security requirements and the broader trend of the PLA Navy's evolution. He asserted that the enhancements aim to protect national sovereignty and contribute to regional peace and stability while adhering to a defensively oriented national defense policy.