BEIJING: The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy launched a new type of frigate, the Type 054B, said a spokesman of the Chinese Ministry of National Defense on Friday.
It is a normal arrangement addressing the national security needs and the overall naval trend of the PLA Navy developing equipment including main combat vessels, Senior Colonel Wu Qian said at a regular press conference.
The primary objective behind this initiative is to bolster the defense of national sovereignty, security, and developmental interests while contributing to global and regional peace and stability. Colonel Wu reiterated China’s steadfast commitment to a defensive national defense policy and its unwavering dedication to the path of peaceful development.
These statements came in response to recent online reports suggesting that the Type 054B frigate had been launched at the Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai. Notably, the Type 054B is considered one of the PLA Navy’s critical future assets, as acknowledged by US news website The Drive. It appears to be an evolution of the previous Type 054A frigate, which primarily undertakes anti-submarine operations but can also fulfill general-purpose roles such as anti-air warfare and anti-surface warfare, according to the Global Times.
054B Frigate’s features
Based on analyses conducted by the a naval news platform, the Type 054B distinguishes itself from its predecessor by being larger, featuring enhanced situational awareness and air defense capabilities thanks to a dual-face active phased array radar system and an integrated radio frequency mast similar to the Type 055 destroyer.
Additionally, it replaces the Type 054A’s 76mm main gun with a new 100mm main gun offering extended range, increased firepower, and diversified strike capabilities.
The Type 054B is equipped with a 32-cell vertical launch system capable of accommodating long-range air defense missiles and rocket-assisted torpedoes.
Furthermore, it includes two sets of anti-ship missile launchers but opts for a single close-in weapon system in favor of an additional short-range air defense missile system, as reported. There are speculations that the new frigate may feature a fully electric propulsion system.
Military experts anticipate that this advanced frigate will excel in far-sea operations, characterized by high versatility, reliability, cost efficiency, and comfort. It is expected to be produced in substantial quantities and, upon entering service, is likely to join aircraft carriers, amphibious ships, and destroyers on far-sea voyages.
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