The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has announced the commissioning of a new Type 054A guided-missile frigate. Named Linfen and bearing hull number “543,” the vessel represents an improved version of the class, confirming the continued maturation of the platform and the introduction of upgrades to one of the most numerous surface combatant and escort classes within the Chinese Navy. The entry into service of this new ship demonstrates that, despite the development and introduction of the more advanced Type 054B class, Chinese naval leadership continues to invest in the evolution of the Type 054A design to meet the increasingly broad requirements of the Asian giant in the naval domain, amid a growing number of deployments across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
According to information released by official Chinese sources, Linfen corresponds to a new variant of the Type 054A frigates, developed and built independently by China’s naval industry. At first glance, one of the most significant modifications compared to the original units is the extension of the flight deck and hangar, along with an increase in the ship’s length. This allows the operation of larger and more complex embarked helicopters, such as the anti-submarine version of the Z-20, replacing the lighter Z-9 currently in use.
Improvements in anti-submarine warfare capabilities and embarked aviation
The enlargement of the flight deck and hangar would address one of the main limitations identified in the early versions of the Type 054A: its helicopter-based anti-submarine warfare capability. The introduction of the Z-20F—along with the new utility version Z-20J, featuring greater range, endurance, and more advanced sensors—would enable the detection and engagement of submarines at longer distances than those achievable with helicopters previously operated from the frigate.
Main armament
Another visible improvement is the adoption of a main gun of larger caliber, presumably 100 mm, similar in appearance to that fitted on the new Type 054B frigates. According to China Central Television (CCTV), this weapon provides greater firepower, longer effective range, and higher accuracy, enhancing anti-surface combat capabilities and naval gunfire support, as well as enabling limited strike missions against land targets.
These modifications are complemented by the integration of a more unified weapons system, along with upgrades to sensors, radars, and fire-control systems. This would allow for extended detection ranges, improved target localization accuracy, and more effective operation in complex electromagnetic environments—an increasingly relevant factor in modern warfare scenarios.
Other aspects
Likewise, according to official reports, the new variant would also feature improvements in radar signature reduction and stealth characteristics, contributing to lower detectability by adversary sensors. All of this would enhance the ship’s survivability in high-intensity scenarios, particularly during escort operations and the protection of maritime routes.
Meanwhile, the commissioning of this improved frigate takes place in parallel with the progress of the Type 054B program, a class of greater displacement and capabilities, of which the Chinese Navy has already commissioned two units. Nevertheless, observers suggest that this does not imply a replacement of the Type 054A, but rather that both classes will operate in a complementary manner.
*Cover photograph used for illustrative purposes: Type 054 frigate Daqing (576)
You may also be interested in: China’s Navy hospital ship Type 920 “Ark Silk Road” arrives in Brazil
