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)
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
-
RTX Raytheon advances with the development of new Barracuda mine neutraliser
The new Barracuda version has been engineered to perform enhanced subsea and seabed warfare missions.
-
US Coast Guard announces measures to further implement Force Design 2028 strategy
The US Coast Guard (USCG) created new units, including five Programme Executive Offices (PEOs), to facilitate and speed up the procurement of new capabilities.
-
Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.