The new Type 054B stealth frigate Luohe (545), the first unit of the new generation of escorts developed by the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), would have reached full operational capability, according to information recently released by Chinese official media. The announcement coincides with the first anniversary of its entry into service, completed in January 2025, and reinforces the perception that the program is advancing at a faster pace than is usual for a newly designed platform.
According to reports from China Central Television (CCTV), Luohe officially entered service on January 22, 2025, at a naval port in Qingdao, Shandong Province. Since then, the frigate would have undergone an intensive process of trials, training and operational evaluations, achieving within one year consolidated capabilities in key areas such as stealth technologies, command and control systems, and the integration of sensors and weapons.
In recent weeks, the unit sailed to conduct an evaluation exercise marking the beginning of a new year, designed under conditions close to a real combat scenario. According to the official report, the crew faced unforeseen situations and orders issued with little preparation time, with the aim of testing rapid response capability, emergency handling and internal coordination, aspects considered central.
The Type 054B frigate represents a direct evolution of the Type 054A class, maintaining the concept of balancing cost, capabilities and operational versatility. With an estimated displacement of around 5,000 tons, this new generation incorporates substantial improvements in radar signature reduction, combat architecture and firepower, allowing it to perform both task group escort missions and independent operations in distant seas.
In particular, Luohe was built by the Huangpu-Wenchong shipyard in Guangzhou and was launched in August 2023. Subsequently, as reported by Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), the frigate began harbor and sea trials in late January 2024, leading up to its entry into service in January 2025. One of the ship’s highlighted features is the inclusion of a new S-band AESA radar, a 32-cell vertical launch missile system, the ability to fire YJ-12 supersonic missiles, complemented by a 100 mm naval gun.
In this context, Luohe is expected to continue expanding its operational profile through training in distant waters and, eventually, integrating into carrier-led naval task groups, a role of growing relevance within Chinese naval doctrine. In parallel, the Chinese Navy already has a second unit of the class, Qinzhou (555), officially presented in mid-2025 and which has also begun operational training activities, confirming the steady progress of the program.
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