China's naval capabilities just leveled up! The PLA Navy commissioned its first Type 054B frigate, Luohe, in Qingdao on Wednesday – a sleek 5,000-tonne warship packed with tech that could rival sci-fi gadgets. Dubbed “545” (no, not the area code
), this stealthy vessel features upgraded radar evasion systems and next-gen weapon integration.
Why it matters: The frigate’s advanced combat command systems make it a Swiss Army knife of naval warfare – ready for everything from coastal patrols to full-scale operations. Analysts say it’ll serve as the “quarterback” of future naval fleets
, coordinating air, surface, and underwater defenses.
Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian emphasized China's commitment to “defensive security” during the ship’s August 2023 preview, stating it aligns with both national protection needs and global stability goals. While specs remain classified, military enthusiasts speculate about AI-powered targeting systems and drone coordination capabilities
.
Fun fact: The launch port in Shandong Province sits near historic naval battlegrounds – blending tradition with cutting-edge innovation .
Reference(s):
cgtn.com