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China’s Navy Expands Blue-Water Reach with Type 054B Frigate Luohe.
According to information published by 千龙网 on January 22, 2025, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) officially inducted its first Type 054B frigate, the Luohe (hull number 545), during a ceremonial handover at a naval port in Qingdao.
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Chinese Navy's Type 054B frigate Luohe. (Picture source: Weibo)
The Luohe represents a generational leap from its predecessor, the Type 054A-class frigate. With an approximate displacement of 5,000 tons, the Type 054B frigate integrates numerous advancements in stealth, weaponry, and operational versatility. Notable among these is the adoption of an integrated mast design, akin to the one found on the PLAN’s Type 055 destroyer.
This integrated mast significantly enhances the ship's radar signature reduction and boosts its information processing capabilities. The design not only reduces the likelihood of enemy radar detection but also optimizes the ship’s operational effectiveness by minimizing interference between onboard systems.
The increase in displacement compared to the Type 054A frigate enables the Type 054B to carry a broader range of weapons and systems. This versatility allows the frigate to perform multiple roles, including anti-air, anti-ship, anti-submarine, and even land-attack missions. Experts highlight that the expanded tonnage permits the integration of advanced missile systems, such as improved anti-ship, air-defense, and land-attack cruise missiles, enhancing the frigate’s overall combat power.
Additionally, the larger hull accommodates modern propulsion systems, potentially including hybrid or electric propulsion. This advancement offers reduced noise signatures, making the frigate more effective in anti-submarine warfare, while extending its operational range and efficiency. The Type 054B's transformation from a single-role to a multi-role platform exemplifies the PLAN’s intent to field adaptable and mission-flexible assets in its growing blue-water navy.
The introduction of the Type 054B frigate signifies China's commitment to modernizing its naval forces amid rising competition with the United States and other regional powers. With the world's largest navy by number of hulls, China aims to enhance its operational capabilities, particularly in the South China Sea and areas surrounding Taiwan.
Reports indicate that at least two more Type 054B frigates have been launched, with another under construction, suggesting a continued expansion of this class within the PLAN. This development aligns with China's broader efforts to extend its naval reach and influence, including deployments in the Mediterranean Sea and the Caribbean.