On Wednesday the Chinese Navy commissioned its first new-generation stealth frigate, the Type 054B, said to have “strong capabilities” for conducting combat operations.
Newsweek has contacted the Chinese Defense Ministry for further comment by email.
Why It Matters
According to the latest Pentagon assessment report on Chinese military power, China has the world’s largest navy by hull count, with over 370 ships and submarines, including a fleet of 40 Type 054A frigates (the Type 054B’s predecessor), at the end of 2023.
China continues to build warships to challenge America’s naval dominance in the Western Pacific. Last month, it launched its first new-generation amphibious assault ship, equipped with a catapult system that supports the flight operations of fixed-wing aircraft.
What To Know
CNS Luohe, the first ship of the Type 054B that has a hull number “545,” was put into service at a military port in Qingdao, in the eastern China’s Shandong province. The new warship has a displacement of 5,000 tons and is named after a city in Henan province.
VCG via AP
The independently developed Luohe “boasts advancements in stealth technology, combat command systems and firepower integration,” the Chinese state-run Xinhua News Agency said in its report, which will significantly enhance the warship’s overall performance.
In August 2023, the Chinese Defense Ministry confirmed the launch of the Luohe, saying the development of key combat ships is a “normal arrangement” that meets Beijing’s national security requirements and is in line with the objectives of the navy’s development.
According to Alex Luck, an Australia-based naval analyst writing for specialist outlet Naval News, it is estimated that the Type 054B has 32 cell missile launchers for firing anti-air and anti-submarine weapons, in addition to eight anti-ship missile box launchers.
Regarding the stealth technology that makes the warship less visible to detection, it has radar signature reduction throughout its hull, Luck explained. One of the notable stealth features is a cover for the bow anchor, which is not seen on previous Chinese warships.
Besides the Luohe, a second Type 054B, which has a hull number “555,” completed its sea trials last year, according to Luck. China is also building a modified Type 054A variant known as the Type 054AG, which has a larger flight deck to support helicopter operations.
What People Are Saying
China’s Xinhua News Agency reported on the Type 054B frigate: “With strong capabilities for comprehensive combat operations and diverse military missions, the warship will play a vital role in enhancing the overall combat effectiveness of naval task forces.”
The Pentagon said in its Chinese military power report: “These assets [China’s Type 054B frigate] will significantly upgrade the PLAN [People’s Liberation Army Navy]’s air defense, anti-ship, and anti-submarine capabilities and will be critical as the PLAN expands its operations beyond the range of the PLA’s shore-based air defense systems.”
Alex Luck, an Australia-based naval analyst, wrote for specialist outlet Naval News: “A cautious initial phase followed by large volume production would mirror PLAN-procurement with the Type 054A frigate and the Type 052D destroyer. In any case this program for a Chinese Navy next-generation frigate appears to be well on track for now.”
What Happens Next
It remains to be seen how many new frigates will be built for the Chinese navy, which is engaged in a “robust shipbuilding program” for warships, the Pentagon said.
