Chinese Navy Commissions First Type 054B Next-Gen Frigate
The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has officially commissioned its first next-generation Type 054B frigate, marking a pivotal advancement in China’s naval capabilities. The commissioning ceremony for the frigate, named “Luohe” (hull number 545), took place in Qingdao, Shandong province. This significant development comes a little over two years after the modular construction of the ship began at Hudong Shipyard in Shanghai in December 2022.
The Type 054B frigate is the successor to the widely-used Type 054A frigate, which has been the backbone of PLAN's surface fleet. The Type 054B introduces numerous evolutionary upgrades, focusing on enhanced combat capabilities, survivability, and multirole functionality.
Key Specifications and Features
The Type 054B frigate is a major upgrade over its predecessor, the Type 054A. While retaining some key design elements, it incorporates state-of-the-art technologies and design improvements.
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Larger Dimensions:
The new frigate measures 150 meters in length, about 15 meters longer than the Type 054A. It also has a wider beam of 17 meters compared to its predecessor’s 16 meters. These changes increase the ship's displacement, estimated to be between 5,500 and 6,000 tons, depending on its load, compared to the 4,500 tons of the Type 054A. -
Advanced Radar Systems:
The Type 054B is equipped with a dual-face rotating Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar on the main mast. It also has an additional AESA radar in X-band, mounted on a secondary mast that integrates various sensors and communication equipment. -
Enhanced Weaponry:
The ship features a new 100 mm main gun, along with 32 vertical launch cells (VLS) capable of deploying the HQ-16 medium-range surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). Eight YJ-83 anti-ship missiles (AShMs) in slanted deck launchers amidships provide formidable offensive capabilities. -
Improved Helicopter Operations:
Unlike the Type 054A, which could accommodate the smaller Z-9 helicopter, the Type 054B has been designed to host the larger Z-20 helicopter, increasing its versatility for anti-submarine and reconnaissance missions. -
Propulsion System:
The frigate retains the CODAD (Combined Diesel and Diesel) propulsion system, with updated engines to support its increased size and displacement.
Strategic Deployment
The Type 054B frigate “Luohe” will serve with PLAN’s Northern Theater Navy (North Sea Fleet), responsible for safeguarding Chinese interests in the northern maritime territories. A second frigate of the same class, hull number 555, is expected to join the Southern Theater Navy (South Sea Fleet) soon.
State media have emphasized the enhanced multirole capabilities of the Type 054B, particularly its potential to operate in blue-water environments, conduct air-defense operations, and support anti-submarine warfare.
Comparison with the Type 054A
The transition from Type 054A to Type 054B represents an evolutionary leap rather than a complete departure. The Type 054B shares some similarities with its predecessor, such as the 32-cell VLS system and YJ-83 AShMs. However, significant advancements in radar systems, weaponry, and helicopter capabilities make the Type 054B a much more formidable platform.
Interestingly, the PLAN continues to produce an improved variant of the Type 054A, unofficially referred to as Type 054AG. This variant incorporates features seen on the Type 054B, such as the new main gun and an extended flight deck to host the Z-20 helicopter. The parallel production of the Type 054AG suggests that the PLAN is pursuing a phased approach to fleet modernization, ensuring the gradual replacement of older vessels while testing the capabilities of the new Type 054B.
The Path Ahead
The commissioning of the Type 054B signals China’s intent to bolster its naval presence amid rising maritime tensions in the Indo-Pacific. The frigate’s advanced capabilities align with PLAN’s broader strategy to establish a technologically superior fleet capable of operating far from Chinese shores.
As more hulls are constructed, the Type 054B is expected to play a pivotal role in extending PLAN’s reach and influence, particularly in contested waters. With its blend of cutting-edge technology and robust firepower, the Type 054B positions China to effectively compete with other global naval powers in the decades to come.
