The first Type 054B frigate for the Chinese Navy (PLAN) was launched in Shanghai

The lead ship of a new type of frigate for the Chinese Navy (PLAN), informally designated Type 054B, has been launched at Hudong-Zhonghua, Shanghai, overnight on Saturday, the 26th of August.

Type 054B, despite the designation, is a completely new type of frigate, thought to displace around 6,000 tons at full load, and as such about 50% larger than the preceding Type 054A.

As expected Type 054B will carry a 32 cell-vertical launch missile system (VLS) on the bow. The type of VLS however remains unclear, with one candidate being the same system fitted to Type 054A, capable of launching the HQ-16 medium range SAM and Yu-8 anti-submarine-missiles. Also possible remains the “Universal VLS” used on Type 055 and Type 052D, capable of launching SAM, Anti-ship missiles (AShM), and likely further types in the future.

Ahead of the bridge a H/PJ-11 30 mm close in-weapon system (CIWS) is mounted. On the hangar a HQ-10 launcher for 24 SAM is fitted for short range air defence, similar to the larger Type 055 and 052D-destroyers, in addition to decoy launchers port and starboard. An expected revelation has been the use of a 100 mm-main gun, a change from Type 054A with its 76 mm-gun. Previous rumours suggested a new type of 100 mm-gun was under development, with the step typically tied to Type 054B. The turret for the new weapon has some visual similarities to the H/PJ-87 100 mm-gun, that previously equipped Type 051C, Type 052B and Type 052C-destroyers, in addition to the sole two Type 054-frigates. The exact relationship between the new gun and the older type remains unclear.

Also unconfirmed is the type of AShM carried by Type 054B amidship, as the launch racks are not visible on existing images. A second VLS, while another possibility similar again to Type 055 and Type 052D, is not supported by visual evidence either, with the common expectation being that these frigates will carry 8 AShM on slanted racks instead.

In regards to sensors Type 054B uses the new rotating active electronically scanned array (AESA)-radar, as was expected. Ahead of the smokestack an integrated mast carries various further electronic support measures (ESM). The ship also carries the expected sonar-equipment for ASW-duties, including both a towed array (TAS) and variable depth-sonar (VDS).

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