A new type of Chinese frigate breaks cover
This is an example of the Type 054A frigate, a workhorse in the PLA Navy. It is due to be succeeded by a modern surface combatant. (Photo: Gordon Arthur)
The Type 054A frigate has undergone serious mass production in China, but its more modern successor is now on the horizon.
Rumours about a follow-on guided-missile frigate, a successor to the Type 054A, have been swirling for years. At last, there is firm evidence that the construction of China’s fourth-generation frigate is now underway for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).
Imagery obtained from the Pleiades satellite on 21 January showed a complete hull at the Hudong Shipyard in Shanghai.
The hull measures some 147m long, which is greater than the 134m of the Type 054A frigate but shorter than the Type 052D destroyer. Its beam is approximately 18m, compared to 16m for its predecessor.
According to Tom Shugart, a
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Turkey targets Italian market with strategic partnership on USVs and hybrid platforms]()
Turkey targets Italian market with strategic partnership on USVs and hybrid platforms
Havelsan, VN Maritime and Piloda Defence will collaborate to develop and integrate a range of maritime solutions with a view to secure a first procurement contract in Italy in the first half of this year.
-
![US Coast Guard’s Arctic Security Cutter ramp-up signifies turning point in Polar operations]()
US Coast Guard’s Arctic Security Cutter ramp-up signifies turning point in Polar operations
The USCG recently announced the award of a contract to Davie Defense for the supply of five ASCs, marking a major step in the acquisition programme as the US grows its presence in the Arctic.
-
![UK ‘Hybrid Navy’ steps up as Norway cooperation reinforces Arctic strategy]()
UK ‘Hybrid Navy’ steps up as Norway cooperation reinforces Arctic strategy
As Russia commits billions to new warships and stealth submarines, the UK is reshaping its strategy with expanded troop deployments, shared frigate fleets and a shift towards uncrewed platforms.
