China Unveils the Type 054B Frigate China has marked a significant leap in naval warfare with the commissioning of its first Type 054B frigate, Luohe. The vessel was formally inducted on January 22, 2025,

The Chinese navy has commissioned a new frigate, escalating tensions with the USA and other global powers. This new vessel aims to bolster China's combat capabilities, which already boasts the largest fleet in the world.

China’s Type 054B frigate marks a new era in naval power, while Japan’s Mogami-class ships push back—are other navies prepared for the challenge?

China has commissioned the first of its next-generation Type 054B class of guided-missile frigates. The warship, which has been named CNS Luohe, was commissioned at a ceremony held at the military base in Qingdao on 22 January, China's Ministry of National Defense (MND) disclosed in a statement on the same day.

China commissioned its first Type 054B guided-missile frigate in Qingdao, Shandong province, on Wednesday morning, according to the People's Liberation Army Navy.

Amid escalating competition with the US and regional powers, China's navy has commissioned a next-generation frigate, saying the ship will play an important role in "enhancing the overall combat effectiveness" of its forces. China boasts the world's largest navy by hull count, although its technological advancements often face scrutiny.

The Chinese navy has commissioned a new frigate, heightening tensions with the USA and other global powers. This new vessel is intended to augment China's combat capabilities, and it already boasts the largest fleet in the world.

"Compared with previous frigate models in China, which were primarily tasked with anti-submarine operations, the Type 054B is also capable of performing fleet air-defense missions."