China Advances Naval Power with New Frigate
Recent satellite imagery has revealed that a new Type 054B guided-missile frigate is currently under construction at the Hudong Changxingdao shipyard in Shanghai. This development marks a significant step in the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) efforts to enhance its naval capabilities. The vessel, which appears to be nearing completion, is expected to be launched within the next few months, further solidifying China’s commitment to expanding its maritime presence.
Construction Details and Specifications
The satellite images, captured on January 10, show the frigate in a dry dock alongside another large hull. Heavy gantry cranes and multiple construction platforms surround the warship, indicating a bustling shipbuilding environment. The hull of the Type 054B is at an advanced stage, with its superstructure partially completed and the bow section clearly visible. This design features an elongated form and an enclosed bow, which aligns with the stealthier profile characteristic of the Type 054B class.
Nearby scaffolding and modular components suggest ongoing work on the upper decks, while the presence of large cranes and support vehicles indicates that the frigate is in the late stages of construction. The emergence of this third hull implies that China has commenced serial production of the Type 054B after the commissioning of the first two vessels, Luohe and Qinzhou, in 2025.
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The Type 054B frigate is designed with a larger hull, heavier armament, and more advanced sensors compared to its predecessor, the Type 054A. Although official specifications have not been released, available imagery and state media reports suggest that the new frigate measures approximately 147 meters in length and 18 meters in beam, a notable increase from the Type 054A’s dimensions of 134 by 16 meters. This enhancement signals Beijing’s ambition to deploy these surface combatants for extended bluewater operations, further asserting its naval capabilities on the global stage.
