What China’s first Type 054B stealth frigate says about military edge over US

The Luohe, launched on Wednesday, is tipped to be ‘critical asset in escort missions requiring prolonged operations in more distant waters’

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The launch ceremony for China’s first Type 054B frigate, the Luohe, at a military port in Qingdao on Wednesday. Photo: Xinhua via AP

Published: 10:00pm, 25 Jan 2025

The Chinese navy’s newly commissioned stealth frigate has upgraded anti-submarine and radar capabilities and is set to play a key role in escorting carrier strike groups, according to observers.

The Luohe, China’s first Type 054B frigate, was commissioned at a military port in Qingdao on Wednesday, state news agency Xinhua reported. The port city in eastern Shandong province is home to the PLA Navy’s Northern Fleet.

According to Xinhua, the “new-generation frigate” represents “a key asset in the modernisation of the PLA Navy”, despite its apparent similarity to its predecessor – the Type 054A.

The Luohe, hull number 545, is a fully domestically developed and built warship. Xinhua highlighted its “breakthrough advancements in stealth technology, combat command systems, and firepower integration, significantly enhancing overall performance”.

Lu Guo-Wei, a New Zealand-based military commentator, said a large number of Type 054Bs could significantly shift the military balance further in China’s favour against the United States and its allies.

“This would help deter – and, if necessary, defeat – a US-led intervention in the event that China uses military force against Taiwan,” Lu said.