China deploys new Type 054B frigate Luohe in Yellow Sea for full-scale combat exercises.

As reported by the Global Times on March 13, 2025, China's first Type 054B frigate, the Luohe, made its public training debut in a maritime replenishment exercise in the Yellow Sea, marking an early stage in its integration into the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). Commissioned on January 22, 2025, at Qingdao, the Luohe, bearing hull number 545, is the lead ship of the Type 054B class.
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Commissioned on January 22, 2025, at Qingdao, the Luohe, bearing hull number 545, is the lead ship of the new Type 054B class of frigates. (Picture source: Chinese social media)

The training exercise involved the Dongpinghu, a Type 903A replenishment ship, and the Xining, a Type 052D destroyer. The exercise included visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) operations, navigation in simulated complex weather conditions, and search-and-rescue drills. The Luohe took position alongside the Dongpinghu for refueling, while the Xining was stationed at the rear of the replenishment ship. The PLAN conducted this exercise as part of broader efforts to develop 24-hour operational capability across multiple domains.

During the training, the Luohe conducted live-fire exercises, including engagements with its 100mm main gun and Type 1130 close-in weapon system (CIWS), which was observed using an overhead engagement method to intercept simulated threats. The ship also conducted trials of its vertical launch system. These tests were designed to verify the functionality of its onboard weapon systems and sensor integration. Previously, the Yellow Sea has been used for PLAN trials and evaluations, providing controlled conditions for the crew to perform key combat operations with new naval assets.

The Type 054B frigate, developed as a successor to the Type 054A, emerged as part of China’s broader naval modernization strategy, which aims to enhance the PLAN’s multi-mission capabilities. The first hull was laid down in 2022 at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard, followed by another unit at Huangpu Shipyard. Official reports and open-source intelligence indicate that multiple ships are under construction, with the second Type 054B frigate, the Qinzhou, already undergoing sea trials. This suggests an intent to expedite the deployment of the Type 054B, which is expected to be produced in numbers comparable to its predecessor, the Type 054A, which has over 40 units in service.

As the first Type 054B, the Luohe’s performance in initial trials will set benchmarks for subsequent vessels of the class. Analysts anticipate that as additional units enter service, they will be incorporated into PLAN surface formations for escort, anti-submarine warfare, and regional defense operations. Reports suggest China is planning to expand its fleet with additional Type 054B units, further developing its surface combatant capabilities. Future assessments will determine the class’s long-term role within the PLAN’s broader strategic framework, while future units may feature modifications, including alternative propulsion systems and expanded weapon configurations.

The Type 054B class incorporates an integrated main mast with an improved sensor suite for electronic warfare and fire control, while its hull design reduces radar cross-section to lower detectability. The vertical launch system supports an expanded missile capability, though its configuration remains limited compared to PLAN destroyers such as the Type 052D and Type 055. The ship’s air defense capability is based on HQ-16 missiles, while its anti-ship capability retains the YJ-83, which has been used on previous PLAN frigate classes.

The Luhoe's vertical launch system supports an expanded missile capability, though its configuration remains limited compared to PLAN destroyers such as the Type 052D and Type 055. (Picture source: Chinese social media)

The Luohe, the lead ship of the Type 054B class, was launched in October 2023 and commissioned on January 22, 2025. Named after the city of Luohe in Henan Province, following the PLAN tradition of naming frigates after Chinese cities, the Luohe entered training exercises within two months of commissioning—a shorter period compared to the typical one-year timeframe for initial operational capability (IOC) development. China’s selection of Qingdao, home to the PLAN’s North Sea Fleet, for commissioning the Luohe indicates the vessel’s operational role in northern maritime regions.

Experts suggest that further trials, including long-range deployments and combat scenario exercises, will be required before the ship is fully integrated into operational service. Full operational capability (FOC) is expected within approximately two years, pending successful evaluations, despite the Luohe’s early deployment in these exercises suggesting the PLAN is prioritizing its integration into fleet operations.

Despite being classified by Chinese officials as a 5,000-ton-class frigate, the Type 054B is reported to have a displacement of approximately 5,500 to 6,000 tons, an increase over the 4,000-ton Type 054A. It measures between 147 and 150 meters in length, with a beam width of approximately 16.8 to 18 meters. The ship employs a combined diesel and diesel (CODAD) propulsion system, powered by four CS16V27 diesel engines, each generating 7.28 megawatts, for a total power output of 29.12 megawatts. This configuration allows for a maximum speed exceeding 28 knots. While earlier reports suggested the potential integration of an integrated electric propulsion or all-electric propulsion system, current assessments indicate the ship retains conventional diesel propulsion.

The Type 054B is equipped with an upgraded sensor and combat management system, including an S-band dual-face rotating AESA radar and an H/LJQ-368 X-band AESA radar. These provide enhanced tracking and target acquisition capabilities, supporting its air defense and anti-ship operations. The ship's vertical launch system (VLS) consists of 32 launch cells, composed of four 8-cell H/AKJ-16 modules capable of launching HQ-16 surface-to-air missiles and two four-cell launchers for YJ-83 anti-ship missiles. Additional armament includes a single H/PJ-87 100mm naval gun, an H/PJ-11 11-barrel 30mm close-in weapon system (CIWS), and two Type 7424 triple 324mm torpedo launchers for the Yu-7 torpedo.

Additional electronic warfare and self-defense capabilities include the H/RJZ-726 electronic warfare system and two 24-cell decoy launching systems. The frigate also features a hangar and flight deck designed to accommodate a single Z-20F naval helicopter, enhancing its anti-submarine warfare and reconnaissance capabilities. While official sources have not confirmed the full crew complement, estimates suggest a personnel capacity ranging from 240 to 250 sailors—an increase from the approximately 165 personnel aboard the Type 054A. The integration of these systems and design features indicates an evolution in the PLAN’s approach to frigate capabilities, incorporating elements from larger surface combatants such as the Type 055 destroyer.

The Type 054B frigate is expected to be produced in numbers comparable to its predecessor, the Type 054A, which has over 40 units in service. (Picture source: Chinese social media)